Awareness

It is a beautiful fall day in England.  That is shorthand for letting you know that any and every possible weather events could happen at any moment.  This morning’s fright sun, warm breezes, and scattered clouds would never lead you imagine there is going to be a driving rain later this afternoon.  Now was the time for a great bicycle ride through country lanes.
 
At I ride it strikes me how incredibly hard it is to describe how beautiful the English country side is from a bicycle.  The lanes are often tree lined by oaks and other hardwoods.  Occasionally the tree cover extends to the majority of the road.  I have found that the drivers, especially large trucks, are sensitive to people on bicycles so it can be tempting to let your guard down.  As one pushes through the hills and out towards the plains west of London you find that the rolling country side with small villages seems endless.  All reminders of the value of families, knowing neighbors, and community!
 
For those stuck in a city this can be hard to imagine.  The experience this morning again reminded me of the inspiration that comes when the smells of farmlands, forest, and small communities blends in a seamless harmony.  The reminders of the role families play in the art and practice of living comes to life as grandparents and grandkids takes the family dog for a walk across the open fields.  The dependency we have on each other is brought to life as a truck patiently follows my lead, waiting for his turn to pass and move on.
 
In this midst of this I am struck by how present compassion, relationships, and mercy are in life.  I can sense the importance of freedom.  I am aware of the choice I have in the process of living.
 
Some are not.  In Jesus’ day they argued about something other than what they understood.  “But we're descendants of Abraham.  We've never been slaves to anyone.  How can you say, ‘The truth will free you’?”  (John 8.33)
 
I am free.