Finding freedom

"Where the spirit of The Lord is, there is freedom." - 2 Cor. 3:17

This verse has pulled me through some tough decisions in the past, but I saw it in a new way this weekend as we gathered with the International community here for American Independence Day. With food, games and fireworks, we gathered far from home but celebrated - and shared - the best of America.

Americans like to think we have a monopoly on freedom, and we certainly institutionalized it in a new way. But we didn't invent it. God wanted us to be free from the beginning. He planned for us to live in harmony with him, each other and the Earth.

Unfortunately, we got in the way of that plan. So we constantly try to create systems and laws and structures that re-create the gift God gave us in the beginning.

Saturday evening though, I was reminded that simplicity leads us back to that place of freedom. Our outpost here is pretty remote from all things America. And our American community is about 35 families who wanted to share America with our NATO friends. Our celebration looked like every church/community picnic you've ever attended. The kids ran in the sprinklers, threw water balloons and jumped in bounce houses. Teens kicked soccer balls and giggles awkwardly at members of the opposite sex. Adults chatted over beers, listened to great music and played a little corn hole. After the sun finally went down, we settled with our families on the lawn and oohed and aaahed at fireworks.

This is what freedom looks like. It's having our basic needs met. It's having a caring community of people who may or may not look like you. It's being able to share stories and experiences and speak your mind without fear.

That is what our founding fathers wanted. That is what God wanted. May he continue to bless America.