Freedom for One. Freedom for All.

“Come see, Momma!” exclaimed a wide-eyed Allie. “I found a little friend.”

She led me to the back porch. There, on the retaining wall, was a small, plastic container. She picked it up and held it high — as high as a 4-year old can — so I could peek inside.

“See him, Momma! See my little friend,” she said.

Under the lid, I saw him — a teeny-tiny toad. “He’s my friend, Momma,” Allie announced. “And I can keep him forever and ever!” (She had the BEST of intentions, no doubt — having even placed a few blades of grass inside, as well.)

“He is so cute,” I agreed. “Where did you find him?”

“He was just under there,” she replied, pointing to the miniature blueberry bush.

“Oh, he’s lucky to have YOU as his friend. But… well… don’t you think he might miss his home and his family if we keep him ‘forever and ever’ in this box?”

Allie thought a moment. “Hmmmm… well, I would take good care of him. Promise.”

“Yes, but as kind as you are and as much as you try, no home for a toad is as good as the grass and the outside,” I said, trying to sound convincing.

Allie looked at the little guy, thoughtfully — her brow furrowed. “But I’ll miss him if I let him go.” She was being honest.

“Oh, honey, I know. But it’s the best thing you can do for him. The kindest thing. He really just wants to be free.”

After a few minutes of deliberation and perhaps a few more convincing words from me, Allie turned the lid and whispered, “Good-bye, little one.” Then she tipped the container, letting him fall out — free once more under the blueberry bush.

(Allie here with another “friend” — a sizable frog she found earlier this Spring. To him, too, she offered freedom!)

And, once again, I’ve gained so much — another lesson learned. The gift of freedom for one cost a little girl something.

Freedom, indeed, is never free. It requires sacrifice.

Jesus — the ultimate Liberator — sacrificed Himself that we might be free. This, the greatest of gifts. And yet, a paradox. Because of what He did, He calls us ‘friend’ and offers to keep us… hold us —  ‘forever and ever’.”

“If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36).

Wishing you all a most blessed and fun-filled ‘Independence Day’! May you experience it — rain or shine — with eyes (and hearts) wide open!