This weekend we celebrate America’s hard-fought independence from British rule on July 4, 1776. The grills are going, fireworks exploding (sorry Lola!), and parades will be held from sea to shining sea.
Independence – something that we have all craved at one time or another. Children long for independence from parents. Aging parents hold onto their independence from doting children. We fight for our freedom at all costs.
And what we tend to find out is that we are never truly independent. We need others to travel with us along life’s journey. There is no such thing as a self-made person because if you go back to your roots – you did not make yourself! We were created and designed by the Master Designer. We also realize that any success we have, any modicum of achievement, has been orchestrated by the gracious hand of God. Don’t believe me?
Who made the car you drive? Who built the house or apartment in which you live? And even if you built the house, who made the materials that you used to build the house? Who made the store that sold the materials… You get my drift? We are not self-made people. We have constantly depended on the kindness and ingenuity of strangers. And that’s okay because we truly need one another. The danger lies in depending on the wrong people or things.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6, NRSV
Moving from independence to being in dependence upon God and living life in Christ, takes time and discipline. But it is so worth it! Our faith should be more like a crockpot than a microwave. Slow and simmered, getting better with time. Only then will we find that true freedom can only be found in Christ.
"So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed."
John 8:36, NRSV
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers as I went through foot surgery and the recovery process. I plan on being at church on Sunday and I hope to see you there, too! Have a safe and joyous weekend and I’ll see you in the Sanctuary!
Vision for 2024:
A House United:
Strong Faith, Strong Families, Strong Future!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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