Liberty.
It’s not what I expected it to be.
For somehow I don’t really feel quite free.
The lack of structure is unbearably
Like a ship without a rudder left to drift across the sea.

There are many different ways this poem could be interpreted. Some of you can easily surmise my original motivation for writing these few lines because you can relate, while others will have your own take on them. In general, we often find ourselves “boxed in” by obligations or responsibilities. But when those responsibilities are lifted from our shoulders, the freedom we feel may not be as sweet as we had thought it would be. Sometimes we even wish to be back in the yoke that we had so eagerly cast off, simply because there is security in structure.

You’ve heard the phrase, “The grass is always greener on the other side,” right? But so often we find that it simply is not true. The secret to true liberty is to find contentment in whatever situation we find ourselves.

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengths me.

Whether a keeper at home / home school mom / secretary / teacher / writer / editor / artist / cleaning lady / musician / tax professional / or ___, if I am content to be here doing this thing because I know this is God’s plan for my life for this moment, then my soul can be at perfect liberty, knowing that I am doing the will of my Father.

The following words of Jesus are the best of all, for when I am doing what He wants me to do, then the work will never be too difficult, for He will be in the yoke with me.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

“Liberty” written September 19, 2005 ~ Monorhyme
© 2017 Angela Umphers Rueger – All Rights Reserved

Photos courtesy of Pixabay