I am watching a large fly caught between the screen and the glass door. He has no idea he is trapped-imprisoned; he is completely free in that 3×6 confine to fly, to sleep, to feast on minute gnats or other tiny insects that enter through the screen wire.
Maybe it will even rain today or tomorrow and the trapped fly will be refreshed with droplets of moisture.

He has it made!

Or has he?

This fly will never experience any more than these four walls allow.
There is no freedom to soar. He will never taste bigger food bites, and he will slowly die and never realize what happened.

How many people are imprisoned within a culture, a tradition, a religion–able to function, yes, but unable to live a more full free life. Flying is impossible!

I have the responsibility, the obligation, the knowledge and ability to let this fly out. “Go ye and tell . . .” I also have the responsibility to tell others about the One who can give them true freedom.

It is sad to think that there are some imprisoned within  four walls filled with stained glass beauty–slowly strangled by tradition. They are as ensnared in their box of ritualistic concerns as this fly. Oh, they function. They sing but never soar; they “work” but never worship; they give but not graciously; they eat but do not enjoy the bountiful bushels of blessings! They exist but do not understand the joy of exalting! . . .

Now, I am a true “free spirit”— I love to run through rain puddles–even walk through soft mud and feel the squishy coldness between my toes. (even at my age!!)  Nothing energizes me more than rushing out into new dawn freshness and lifting my hands to the Creator of  “now-ness”. Running through fields of wildflowers still brings giddy delight to this aging body—

BUT . . .

Even with this sense of freedom, I must guard my heart that I do not become trapped within my own selfishness of doing things my way, of failing to be open to new ways,  of prejudging different ways and views.  I pray I never become imprisoned in a “box” of sameness but forever be conscious that the Spirit within me is alive and free-oh, to be kept safe from the space between the screen and the glass door!

Psalm 116: 16b—“I am your servant, the daughter of your handmaiden. You have freed me from my chains.”
Psalm118: 5 –“In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.”

And yes, thank you, Lord!!  “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free!” Psalm 119: 32

“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you–guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Timothy 2: 14

May I be obedient to “unlock” the screens on those around  me as I follow You, soar and fly this day, and may I surely guard my freedom fiercely–