Mysteries, freedom, and Eagles View…
Four wooden rockers creaked in unison as we soaked in spectacular vistas atop Eagles View Mountain. I sat awestruck as always, only allowing the breathtaking wonder of each moment to slip away into the horizon when a golden sunset replaced the cobalt sky. Later, a million twinkling stars set a perfect backdrop for the rockets’ red glare, bursts of blue, green, and thundering booms sounding into the night.
In my deepest thoughts I’ve prayerfully asked; Why don’t we see the price of such intrigue for winning wars or fighting and fanning old flames? Perhaps my search for clues regarding truth, peace, justice for all, or the mystery of freedom and Eagles View Mountain are one and the same.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
2 Corinthians 3:17
Nature’s valuable lessons and spiritual freedom
Today, as another July 4th celebration of freedom with its colorful illuminations and recollections of family picnics, and boat rides fade, I’m reminded how nature might teach us a much-needed lesson about spiritual liberty or privilege. Birds. Animals. Mountains. Sky. Sea.
After all, true freedom isn’t about winning battleground hot topics or wars. There will always be fronts and rumors of combat. I’ve often wondered why we say life is precious and then we go about crushing each other—Often times, in the name of liberty or justice. I believe there’s more to the meaning of living free. But then, in the blink of an eye, time slips away.
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.
Job 12:7-10
The high cost of freedom
My grocery bill has soared to unprecedented heights. We’re paying the price for poisonous conveniences like plastics, food preservatives, and bottled water. This doesn’t touch the tip of the political, global, or atmospheric iceberg we won’t discuss. In essence, in our search for freedom, we were and still are our own undoing.
While I’m thankful for all who sacrificed for America’s Independence, I aim to seek God’s light and truth. Not man nor woman. Left or right. His way unfurls in mysterious truths… and places. It reminds me of the mystery of freedom and Eagles View Mountain and how the most important things in life are free but might cost me everything.
Independence, or freedom from ourselves?
This morning, I thought about how 2022’s Independence Day differed from years past. Sure, the barbequed burgers and toasted marshmallows were tasty, but an unseen dreariness loomed like a gray cloud above us as if to warn of storms to come.
A peculiar sadness lingered in the air like the sky-blue smoke bomb that fizzled way too soon. Some may wonder how this scene provoked me to seek God’s wisdom in nature—look for those hidden places where bunnies or fawns hide. Uncover answers to questions about what victory and truth don’t mean.
What might a nature walk, and such unorthodox thoughts reveal? Perhaps a shift in perspective? I want to know more about the mystery of freedom and Eagles View Mountain.
When victory for some isn’t victory for all
While the majestic eagle is still a revered symbol of strength and freedom in the United States, we’ve changed. Basic freedoms have dwindled away. Recent world events have shaken us to the core. Although we’ve catapulted into a season of perfection and me-ism, so many people are battered and broken. When will we see victory for some isn’t a victory for all? Without unconditional love, what many view as triumph today will likely lead to defeat tomorrow. What if we’ve lost perspective on what God thinks about freedom?
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only, do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13
Liberty in showing and telling
Jesus showed us how to love. Selfless. Unconditional. He revealed the way for us to live… in freedom. Humble. Equitable. In the most treacherous battles, covered. His blood shed for us on a rugged cross—not to give us lives of wealth or power of the strongest kings and queens. Each drop was meant to wash away the vilest iniquities of the world. Every tear lost still has power to heal our brokenness and drench our darkest fears. Only He offers eternal peace. He wiped away my sins and set me free.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed
John 8:36
Dear friends,
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this subject. What do you think about the price of freedom? Will you join the conversation here in the IAF comments section below this post? I’ll see you on Instagram, FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, or on my Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog and DoveStories website. Wishing you many blessings… and freedom too!
~Joann
*Special thanks ~ All Free use images from Pixabay: Featured image by thatsphotography #1: lisa runnels (Greyerbaby) #2: DC Allen (dcallen 10), #3: Klappe.
When I see eagles gliding across the sky, wings outspread, doing the thing they were created for- it always leads me to worship. Thank you for taking me to Eagles View mountain with you!
Amen. If we’re willing to see, there’s so much inspiration and insight drawn from wildlife and nature. I’m glad you read this quirky interpretation and happy to see you here. :))))