Today we are celebrating with our family. Dave’s famous pulled pork, corn-on-the-cob, watermelon, outdoor games, and a sprinkler! What could be better?

Read: Galatians 5:5-8

Today I will also celebrate that God has called me to live in freedom. For many years I lived under the weight of rules and regulations that sapped my strength and stole my joy. I became a judgmental, sad woman who lived in a very narrow world. Today I celebrate that I am not there anymore.

I was struck by the last phrase of our reading for today. Paul said, “Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom.” I can’t even begin to count the times I gave God credit for the sad state I lived in. Looking back, I was Eeyore at his finest!

Now I know it isn’t! God’s grace and love for his creation is amazing and beyond my wildest dreams. And I celebrate that today!

Does the story of Jesus seem too good to be true? Does living in freedom seem out of reach? What would it take for you to give it another try?