Reflections by the Sea ©
July 13, 2013
| You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. –Galations 5:13 NIVMeandering through the downtown streets of Manteo recently made me smile. The streets were lined with so many beautiful and different picket fences. Blue hydrangeas and orange day-lilies bursting through the white pickets. Climbing roses, too. These fences surrounded Victorians homes, cottages, bungalows and more. Everything appeared to have a fresh coat of paint. Front porches were decorated with wicker chairs and steps were lined with pots of flowers. Loving touches here and there like birdbaths, baskets of flowers, window boxes and garden art showed individuality and expression. One house had a starfish in each window. It was a charming afternoon to observe neighbors visiting over the fence, children riding on bikes to the water, vacationers supporting the local economy, restaurants bustling with patrons. But one thing stood out. So many American flags…everywhere! Homes, businesses and the waterfront. Such pride was apparent in the community and for our country! Independence Day just behind us, yet it is important to remember to celebrate our country and the freedom we enjoy each day. We should always be grateful and never take our freedom for granted. It is a blessing and a gift. We live in a free country where we can express ourselves without fear. There are so many opportunities for learning and doing for those that wish to pursue them. We have freedom to live, work, play and worship wherever we want to. Many people in other countries would give anything to have the choices we have. With 4th of July celebrations still going on with cookouts, parades, fireworks and ice cream, let’s also take time to offer prayer for our local, state and national leaders. I do believe that God has put many of these people in a place of leadership that they might serve Him and the People to the best of their ability. They need our prayers for godly wisdom as they make decisions that affect each of us and the places we live. Thank you God for the tireless efforts of those that work so hard to help maintain the freedom that we continue to enjoy. |
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