Beyond the Wall

On my drive to work this morning, I saw a pair of colorful birds fly across in front of me as I pulled up to a stoplight. My eyes followed them to a flowering tree where they lit. Orioles! A pair of them. It stirred my excitement as I watched them playfully flit from branch to branch and take off in flight again.

They landed on  tree inside the maximum-security correctional institution, which is surrounded by high stone walls. Yet, despite their surroundings, they were free to fly about as they pleased, even beyond the wall.

It made me thankful for my own freedom in Christ. Because I focus daily on abiding in him, I need not be dragged down and paralyzed by the weighty things in life. My attitude is positive; my perspective is hopeful. In a sense, I can live above my circumstances because Jesus is with me wherever I go. His counsel, His strength and His provisions are as near as I choose.

Lord, your constant love gives us confidence to be the best we can be. May we live in a way that brings hope to those who stumble in darkness. Thank you, Jesus, for the great freedom we have in you.