It has been almost eight months and the sculpture in Provence still lingers in my memory. The setting was a day with friends, walking, enjoying the countryside, past and present. With my first look, the artist’s work began to etch itself across my soul. The etching continues to haunt me, asking if I am willing to understand how my eyes are taking me toward the goals of my heart.
In the larger story of good and evil, it feels as if others are threatening me, wanting to take away my freedom to choose. The sculpture continues to remind me that ultimately, I will decide. No one can take away my freedom to choose. I can give it to others, however, even this is a choice. The core of who and what I am includes the freedom, responsibility, and accountability connected with choice.
I often hear the threats of others in a way that distracts from my freedom. In the passion of words spoken, “Make no mistake: In the end, you get what’s coming to you,” (Romans 2.6) I forget that this is, at its core, a promise. I will get what I choose! I know I often choose casually, at times even flippantly. Yet, there is a life promise that reminds me I will receive what I choose, be it love or something else.
When I wear the face of my choosing, my eyes automatically look to where my heart is longing. When I love compassion, caring, and community, the journey begins. The sculpture in Provence reminds me that there is a destination, yet it is the journey between here and there that is the stuff of living.
Today I wake to a question, what will I do with my freedom? I know there will be barriers and obstacles in the steps to come, many of my own making. I also know the choice in each moment is with me. My actions reveal my heart. My vision reveals my values. My steps reveal my priorities.
The one thing to fear is hesitation. Now is the time.
