We are FREE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, U.S.A.!
Celebrating this Fourth of July, I'm so thankful for FREEDOM and for the many amazing men who lived and died so we could be "agents to ourselves".  For someone whose family is linked to George Washington, I can't help but think of the great people like him who sacrificed so much for the freedoms of those unknown millions who would follow after them. 

I was once taught that the power to choose, the power to be free agents for ourselves and live according to our desire and will, is something deeply innate and priceless to each of us, because it is what we all fought so fervently for in the War in Heaven before we came to earth.  It is exactly the difference between God's plan for us, and Satan's proposal that he force us to all make right choices, instead of allow us to choose for ourselves and gain experience. 

It is precisely why, when we feel someone is trying to force or coerce or manipulate us, we dig our heels in and feel so strongly against this dominion.  It truly goes against our grain, to the core.  We know how diligently we fought for our right to choose for ourselves, and our spirit is passionate that we live according to our will, not someone else's.

I draw a parallel in my mind, to Christ's role in helping us be "free".  Along side suffering for our sins, is not the true gift Christ gave us, and the price He paid,  for our gift of agency and spiritual freedom?  To do with this life what we will--to gain knowledge and lose ourselves in serving others, or to waste our time here away?  One wise prophet stated:  "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."

So, what are we doing with our power of choice?  Do I choose to spend my time away, without much thought, or do I find out what I want to live for and be actively engaged "going about doing much good?"  Am I teaching my own children, that no matter the circumstances they find themselves in, they can be in control of how they react to what goes on around them and make it the best it can be?  What are we doing with "the time that is left"?

I was at a friend's home once when her grumpy daughter was rushing off to school, complaining of how she couldn't find her coat, she didn't want to walk to school, and she was going to be late, etc.  My friend sent her off with a, "Choose to be happy!  I love you.  Bye!"  Watching her daughter mope down the sidewalk, my friend opened the door and yelled again, "Choose happiness!  I know you can do it!"  Of any time, any era, and any people, how we should choose to live and be happy! 

We have great power over ourselves, our lives, our circumstances, simply by how we choose to view them. and use them.  I love the notion that in this cynical world, we can still find good.  In fact, it is our duty and responsibility to SEE the GOOD in the world.  We can be agents of change for the better, or live without passion or understanding that we could truly do much that mattered.  Listen to that spirit within us that knows we have a destiny and we have a part to play in God's great plan.  Let us be, like our forefathers, diligent in striving to pave a better way for those who follow after us.  We are free!  Let us choose to use this freedom and act and do, being an agent of change and goodness for those around us!  See Good, Be Good. :)