Freedom and Happiness

 What is freedom?  It sounds like one of those existential questions posed in Philosophy 101, which requires an essay response.  But it is a question worth pondering now and then, especially around July 4th, when we celebrate our nation's independence.  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...."  These familiar words from the Declaration of Independence remind us that life itself and liberty as the ability to make our own choices in the pursuit of happiness, are gifts from God.  No one should ever be able to take these away from us. Though we still have to abide by society's rules and respect our fellow human beings, we can, for the most part, find our own path in life and change course at any time. We are blessed to live in a country that allows us that freedom and we must do everything in our power to protect this sacred right.

So I begin this day by giving thanks for these gifts and countless others that I rarely acknowledge.  I give thanks for my physical body that, though it's getting older, is a miracle in itself. Every day, I wake up and am able to move freely. I can walk outside and see the sunrise, listen to the morning birds and smell the fragrance of the earth.  I can taste fresh strawberries and the first sip of hot coffee.  I can listen to music or sing, dance, write or read. I can hug someone or pet my dog, care for my garden, feed the birds...so many choices! If I have to go to work, I can change my attitude about that and find things to be thankful for in the job that I do, the people I am surrounded with each day. When we really think about it, the ordinary becomes extraordinary; we see that the things we take for granted everyday are really to be celebrated! 

So, if I were to write that essay on "what is freedom", I would say that, more than anything, it is a state of mind.  No matter what our physical circumstances, our spirits are as free as we allow them to be. We always have the ability to think, dream, imagine and pray our way through any situation. I would sum it up by saying that freedom is the ability to let go of anything that hinders, makes us feel constrained or unhappy and to fully embrace the blessings that each day holds, writing our own story as we go.  

To quote a familiar song by Bobby McFerrin:

 Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry be happy!

Spirit of Comfort

 This morning, as I sit quietly praying before the heat of the day sets in on this early summer day, I am aware that there is much pain in the world. It is hard to ignore the suffering of families torn apart by overly aggressive and unfair deportations, the devastation of war in countries far away and now the uncertainty surrounding our involvement in Iran. 

My Unity Daily Word speaks to this and I would like to share it here:

"Considering the pain in the world, I realize many are mourning. People in war-torn regions have lost loved ones to violence. Others may grieve the loss of a relationship or something dear to them. The troubles these souls are experiencing may make it difficult for them to find blessings and grace. 

I turn within and hold in prayer all those suffering, trusting the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit. I trust in the omnipresence of God in, through and as all. I focus on God and pray that everyone feels the comforting, healing Presence of the Divine". (Daily Word, June 23, 2025). 

I realize that praying for the world can seem like an overwhelming task in the face of so much suffering. Our small prayers can seem like a drop of water in an ocean of pain, but this is what we are called to do. To be light in a dark world; to call on angels of mercy and comfort; even to take action and join with others in peaceful protest of unfair practices. 

We can start where we are, praying for those closest to us, then moving outward, expanding our circle of light and hope to our community, our country and the world.

So, this morning and throughout this week, I would challenge everyone who reads this to be courageous in the face of fear and suffering, not turning from it, but challenging it with the Light of God.

Solstice Musings

 Sitting outside on my deck this morning, my heart fills with gratitude for the beauty all around. The sun is shining, peonies and roses are blooming, the air is fragrant and the birds flutter at the feeder. We are poised on the cusp of summer, as the Solstice is only a few days away and the long, warm days of the season lie just ahead.

Yesterday, we hiked a lovely, wooded trail, surrounded by wildflowers with fragrant spring blossoms. Being in nature, as always, brought peace to my troubled soul. I let my cares drift away and all seemed right with the world, even though our country is in chaos and it's hard not to worry about this and so many other things.

Nature is healing and restorative, a balm to our spirits, when the world seems to have descended into madness. Today, I am thankful for this. Tomorrow I may fight another battle, but on this new morning I will rest in knowing that the Spirit who is in and through all things is here, now, shining brightly through the darkness of our imperfect humanity.

A Song in My Heart

 It's funny how, often when I'm worried about someone or something, God will put a song in my heart. It will just spring up, reminding me that the Spirit of comfort is always with me. Today, the song that came to mind is an old African spiritual song called "Peace Like a River". I don't remember when I first learned it or the last time I sang it, but the words are balm to my soul this morning:

I’ve Got Peace Like A River, I’ve Got Peace Like A River,
I’ve Got Peace Like A River In My Soul,
I’ve Got Peace Like A River, I’ve Got Peace Like A River,
I’ve Got Peace Like A River In My Soul.

I’ve Got Love Like An Ocean, I’ve Got Love Like An Ocean,
I’ve Got Love Like An Ocean In My Soul,
I’ve Got Love Like An Ocean, I’ve Got Love Like An Ocean,
I’ve Got Love Like An Ocean In My Soul.

I’ve Got Joy Like A Fountain, I’ve Got Joy Like A Fountain,
I’ve Got Joy Like A Fountain In My Soul,
I’ve Got Joy Like A Fountain, I’ve Got Joy Like A Fountain,
I’ve Got Joy Like A Fountain In My Soul.

I’ve Got Peace Love And Joy Like A River, I’ve Got Peace Love And Joy Like A River,
I’ve Got Peace Love And Joy Like A River In My Soul,
I’ve Got Peace Love And Joy Like A River, I’ve Got Peace Love And Joy Like A River,
I’ve Got Peace Love And Joy Like A River In My Soul.

I researched the origins of this song and found that it was sung by African slaves as they worked in the fields. It tells me that no matter what my situation is, I can know the soothing spirit of peace; I can feel the power and immensity of love and I can find joy in the moment. No matter what my mood is when I start singing, I will be transformed and empowered to go about my day with the conviction that I am not alone. I hope that you will know this peace, joy and love today as well.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I Love You Anyway

 Unconditional love can be a really difficult concept to grasp. It is counterintuitive: no conditions, no strings attached; you love the person at his or her core, regardless of their behavior. 

For a parent, it comes naturally. You don't stop loving your two-year old when they have a horrible tantrum, or your teenager when they engage in rebellious behavior. You see, always, the shining light of their spirit. When you are done feeling angry and put out, it is important to let them know that their behavior is not acceptable, but that you love them anyway and you forgive them, because you know that the behavior does not make the person.

Beyond the parent-child relationship. unconditional love does not come naturally. But to love the unlovable, or to forgive someone who has wronged us and "love them anyway" is modeling the "agape love" that God has for us:

1. God never runs out of unconditional love

2. Unconditional love makes sacrifices.

3. You can never lose unconditional love

4. Unconditional love means surrendering your expectations.

5. Forgiveness is the soil that allows unconditional love to grow.

(*Crosswalk.com)

I really like that last statement, because without forgiveness, our hearts and spirits close up in self-defense. Love does not grow in the soil of resentment.

Perhaps today, we can pray for the ability to forgive those against whom we hold grudges or resentments and begin to allow the healing power of unconditional love into our hearts.