Refreshment, Freedom, and Love
Who knew a simple trip to get my hair cut and a stop at the grocery store for hamburger buns could bring so much joy and refreshment. I felt the weight of the past few months’ fear drop from my shoulders . Yes, I wore a mask and donned my fashionably plastic gloves for my errands, desperately dodging people in the aisles to keep some semblance of a six-foot distance. But I felt free. I tried to follow all COVID-19 safety rules but sometimes I just had to step out with a prayer, “Lord, please protect me.” Yet, seeing all those “normal” people in the grocery store and visiting with my dear friend who cuts my hair brought life to my soul.
When I say “normal” people, I’m not speaking about their physical appearances or their belief systems. I’m regarding them with respect because they seemed to be carrying on their grocery shopping in the usual way but with an additional brightness about them. One gentleman watching me consider the purchase of strawberries smiled and said, “They’ll be on sale tomorrow.” I quickly rethought my purchase and thanked him. That’s the kind of normal I’m referring too. Few of the people had masks or gloves, which is still an individual decision although the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to urge us freedom-loving Americans to wear masks. Each person has to make their own decision for themselves and those around them.
I wonder if the freedom and joy I caught on others’ faces was a reflection of what was in my own heart. If so, just imagine what an influence we can be when we shine with the joy of the Lord. Could others detect that just in passing through the aisles of a grocery store?
It seemed trite to feel freedom in a grocery store isle while our country is in the midst of turmoil over injustice even as we still struggle to be free from the grip of an unpredictable virus. We’ve been hit with a multiplied dose of fear. People need to feel and experience true freedom, joy, and justice. That is only found in Christ.
He died to give us freedom and justice. Freedom from sin through His death on a cross. And justice before our Heavenly Father who sees us only with love through His Son’s righteousness. That kind of justice we cannot earn on our own.
As Christ’s followers who have experienced His freedom, we are called to bring that freedom to others through the power of His Holy Spirit. In Micah 6:8 we are reminded:
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice , and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
However, we are also reminded by God through Paul in Galatians 5:13 that while we have freedom, we are not to give free rein to our fleshly desires. We are to pursue God’s justice while humbly acting in the character of Christ.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh,
but through love serve one another.”
Now that I’m walking around among those in the grocery aisles, the freedom I experience must be given to those around me everywhere. The love and joy of Christ must radiate not only in my face but my attitude and actions by the power of His Holy Spirit living in me.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Linking with Mary Geisen #TellHisStory
Wow!!!! This was right on!!! The scripture , Micah 6:8 is not one that I’m hearing being quoted right now, so it was a great reminder/ refresher and it says it all!! Thank you for sharing your sweet experience today and God’s insight!! Love you! -Ceal
Thank you, Cecelia, for stopping by. I thought I’d left a reply but in checking, I see that somehow I missed it. I’m glad my reference to Micah blessed you today. Always blessed to have you here, Ceal. Love you, too!
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Jesus first died to give us freedom so we can then pass it on to others. It looks like love, a smile, friendly words, and sometimes getting back to what feels more like normal. Thank you for these words today.
Thank you, Mary, for visiting today. Your words always bless me. I’m happy to be linking up with your Tuesday “#Tell His Story.”
Sending smiles and friendly words your way. May we all enjoy the freedom Jesus came to bring us.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
I felt that way the first time I went grocery shopping at the end of Feb after a 6 week post-surgery quarantine- but it was sitting in a restaurant on the outside patio when our town opened its restaurants that I felt giddy with freedom! It had been a season that has challenged faith over fear – so glad faith won! Love your new place!
Every time I step outside now, I am so grateful for fresh air that greets me and the freedom I feel. So taken for granted before. I’m glad you like my new site. Heather Mertens and her daughter Em do a beautiful design job. It’s such a reflection of God’s glorious creation and the places I love most. Thank you for visiting.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis Van Keuren
It is critical to distinguish God’s freedom, the lifting of sin with its crippling grip and its condemnation, from the world’s notion of freedom, that I get to do whatever I feel like, whatever pleases me regardless of anyone else.
God’s freedom releases us to be selfless and seek to bless others, like the man in the grocery store advising about the upcoming strawberries sale.
Hi Honey,
I love seeing your comments. The wisdom you share here amazes me at times. I know what you believe but to see you put it into words blesses me beyond what I can say. Thank you so much for your Godly wisdom.
From My Heart to Yours Always,
Janis