Freedom is a funny thing. It can mean something different to almost everyone.
Yesterday I began reading Richard Foster's brand new book 'Learning Humility' and it got me thinking about this.
I'm not even sure he talked about it, but it was a feeling I got as I read through the first chapter.
He was describing his day... how it was snowing quite heavy, so he decided he would stay home; and his journey to the mailbox and strolling through the woods, and sitting by the fire reading.... It made me long for the days when I was a pastor. Days where I could sit and read and think and pray -- without having to be constantly on alert and at someone's service.
As a pastor, even though I was on-call 24 hours a day, I had the freedom to go with the flow of the day (similar to Foster). I was able to follow and move-with whatever was happening.
My job now, while it allows a certain freedom from responsibility, leaves me a slave to the alarm clock and time clock. In some ways the lack of responsibility almost constrains me more in that I am not allowed to think and act on my own. It leads to a lot of frustration.
So, that's what I was thinking. I know there are more jobs other than being a pastor that allow for this freedom to go with the day. I also know my current situation does not lend itself to such.
I want to be more servant-minded. I'm trying to learn humility. I know it's possible to do no matter our circumstances... but I wonder if sometimes we need to change things up for our own good and that of the world.
What do you think?
1 comment:
Changing things up can be a good thing, especially if your soul seems to be searching for that. It’s sometimes strange how gaining freedom in one way can cause us to lose it in another. I guess that’s part of the tension while we are living on this earth. Maybe? Just random couch thoughts.
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