Freedom

Yes, I know it's a pitiful sight. Izzy had surgery a couple of weeks ago for what revealed itself as a benign mass on her little ankle. It was beginning to interfere with her wrestling career, so Dr. Frank took care of it. This was post-surgery about 2 hours. She regained her energy and her tenacity - especially in regards to removing bandages that aren't supposed to be removed yet and chewing on stitches that itch. So, it got more pitiful still. See ...

But, we're way on the other side of the pity party. Izzy got word from Doc this past Monday that the staples and the collar are history because she's healing. It's been a long time since I've seen a truer sense of freedom displayed right in front of my eyes. When we left Doc's "office" with no extra stuff, Izzy began to vibrate. She almost didn't know what to do with herself no longer constrained by metal in her flesh and the burden around her head and shoulders. First three things she did because she could? Smelled her own behind, stuck her head out of the open car window to lick at the wind, and drank out of the toilet once we hit the door (no longer literally sans collar) at home. Now, I wouldn't have chosen those three things, but for a dog they might be heaven.

As I changed clothes to head into my day at the office, Izzy spent another 30 minutes - and that was just while I was home watching - literally bouncing off the walls, and the ottoman, and Grace, and the rocking chair. She was smelling the grass without choking herself and jumping off the porch without impaling herself. And, wrestling with Grace.

I was struck watching that crazy dog. I think that most of us, if we ever had it at all, have lost our pure joy at the freedom that is ours. Most of the folks you and I know, selves included, will allow Saturday to be more about burgers and cold beverages and swimming and fireworks than the freedom that is ours because of our geography and someone else's bravery. Let's be clear that freedom and autonomy are not synonyms. The kind of freedom that Izzy's Monday reminded me of is even bigger than geography and bravery ... it's bigger than we could ever imagine. We think our grandest goal is to be autonomous as individuals, as a country - to do what we want, when we want, how we want without having to answer to anyone. But, God longs to see us throw off every hindrance (even bigger ones than E-collars and staples) and know the absolute freedom that is ours in Christ.

Funny thing is that Grace enjoyed (and still is enjoying) Izzy's new freedom as much as Izzy did/is and not just vicariously. Izzy's freedom meant Grace had her friend back, fully, truly. Maybe that's a clear sign of true freedom ... that it absolutely affects not only the one released but the others with whom one shares life.

I may never forget watching that crazy dog do really stupid pet tricks just because she could ... and genuinely enjoying the abundance of life in the process. I pray I never forget the awareness that was mine when I realized I often constrain myself or let others do it to me, resigning my freedom for something less than God intended for me. This weekend, I pray that you are aware of the blessing of geography and bravery that are represented in stars and stripes, in fireworks, and maybe even in burgers and watermelon with family and friends. Better yet, I pray that you claim and live into a freedom that's forever bigger than that, freedom that is already yours in Jesus Christ.