Freedom isn’t free. It’s a phrase emblazoned on t-shirts, hats, stickers or any number of cheap items you can either wear or display in a myriad of different ways. The very meaning behind the phrase has been watered down to the point that it may even receive an eye roll from many when discussed in mixed company.
Freedom is the greatest gift we’ve all been given. Handed to us by past generations, it’s a gift we often take for granted. Given the millions who have died over history to defend it, it’s anything but free. And yet, how we choose to accept this gift determines whether we see it as a burden or one worthy of placing the appropriate amount of effort to preserve it.
Anything worth having, is worth fighting for. There’s a feeling of accomplishment for a job well done.
Work takes effort, therefore, you feel good about having done it. Growing your own fruits and vegetables rather than running to the store to buy what you need feels good. Having the ability to cultivate your garden in order for the tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers to grow takes effort, determination and proper planning. You put in the work to eventually partake in the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.
Freedom is no different. Although we’ve all been presented with this gift, it’s not something we can simply set aside and wait for someone else to cultivate.
There are plenty of despicable and heinous acts that have taken place throughout our shared American history. We all know what they are and how difficult it continues to be for our nation to move forward together. And yet, we have one thing in common that’s both undeniable and altogether glorious. There’s no need to shake the box under the tree and attempt to guess what’s inside. The gift is the same for all of us.
It’s often hard to grasp the intangible. I remember my mother saying to me when I was a child, “at least you have your health.” “My health? Of course I had my health,” I thought. “I’m only 8 years old.” It was difficult for me to understand that there were thousands of children the same age as me battling cancer or some other illness while I happily played outside with my friends. Being healthy was a given. It wasn’t anything I thought would be taken away from me.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve taken the appropriate steps to ensure I stay healthy and hopefully live a long and happy life. This takes effort and, although not always pleasant or fun, it’s necessary to reach my goal of being an active and healthy grandparent later in life.
Freedom is messy. It’s hard. It takes effort. It doesn’t come with an instruction manual and it’s not something you’d be able to easily put off to the side and expect it to work when you wanted to pick it back up again.
Nevermind the cavernous divide that exists in many of our political lives, in the end, the foundation for a majority of us is the same. Being free is much better than the alternative, we can all agree on that.
This 4th of July weekend, enjoy your family and friends and be thankful. You’ve been handed a gift, one that requires a certain level of maintenance but will also provide a lifetime of happiness.
Freedom isn’t free.
It’s priceless.
