Called to be free.
Freedom: the power to determine action without restraint or personal liberty as opposed to bondage or slavery. I found these definitions on dictionary.com.
The freedom to do whatever I want. Whatever pleases me. That should be the ultimate. The best. Right?
I am beginning to think not so…at least for me. True freedom comes when I finally begin to master myself. When I begin to take control of the things in my life that are causing me to be less than what He wants me to be…less than what I desire for myself.
Yes, I know as women it is often easy to get wrapped up in feeling “less than” someone else. Wrapped up in feeling like we are not good enough, comparing ourselves to others. That is not what I am talking about here. I am referring to not meeting the standard the Lord has set for me…or the standard that I have set for myself.
Let me explain…it is easy to get wrapped up in doing what we want. We enjoy many freedoms in this country. We are free to do many things, but that doesn’t necessarily make them good for us. People indulge in many types of behavior that they certainly enjoy the freedom to do, but the behavior is or can be destructive and in some cases even illegal.
- Pornography
- gambling
- alcohol
- the Internet
- video games…the list goes on.
Some of these when done in moderation are fine, others are wrong all the time…but we are free to do them.
But I believe true freedom comes when we learn to master ourselves. When we take back the reins and reel ourselves in to do what is true, right, pure, lovely. Phillipians 4:8
An example, last month I wrote in a post what I was doing while I played Candy Crush on my iPad. I almost didn’t write that because I was embarrassed that I was playing it. I never connected Candy Crush account to Facebook. Why? Because I knew that I played it too much. I was ashamed.
Last week, I deleted my Candy Crush account. When they say the game is addictive…they are serious people!
The picture at the top of this post is my new writing space. I had always done my writing on my laptop in the family room. But too often I was not focused. My mind would wander. I have seen pictures of other peoples writing spaces. They write in their kids playroom. Or at the planning center in the kitchen. Or at a lovely space designated just for them and their writing. Or at a bakery café. Whatever…these people have specific places to do their writing and they do it well.
Me? My mind would be all over the place and I would check e-mail while writing, look at Facebook, etc. I have discovered there are apps to keep you focused (I’m checking on those) but also, I wanted a space dedicated to my writing. And I have it. I just wasn’t using it.
This post by Michelle put me over the edge. I knew that I needed to clear off the desk in the office, arrange it to look out the window and write in a place that would remind me of my purpose. So…it is still a work in progress, but today is my first day writing here.
I am mastering myself for my writing.
True freedom is not being able to do what one wants, when one wants to do it.
AND when to say no.
is the truest freedom of all.

Oh. I am convicted. I write here and there and everywhere, in between twitter and email checking and folding the laundry. ha. But I'd love to rein in my distractions and find greater freedom. This is a beautiful post, Mary.
Thank you, Lisa. It is truly still a work in progress, but I need to get. focused. I think this is going to help.
That's one reason I write at my desktop computer rather than the laptop. However, I won't say that I don't get distracted as I write. I still have the temptation to check email and Facebook, etc. But it's probably in other areas of my life (like food!) that I need to reign in "freedom" more effectively. Thanks for the thought-provoking post and for visiting at The County Line.
Yes, distractions can happen anywhere and I know ALL about the food distractions too! I loved my visit to your place. thank you for stopping by.
How fun, that you have found a place to write. I write at the dining table, from the loveseat, in bed … everywhere.
Blessing on you, Mary, as you continue to find freedom.
Fondly,
Glenda
I love your new space just for writing, Mary (and I am more than a little envious of that nice big desk!). Just so you know though, I still have a problem checking Facebook and email when I write – I really have to focus and be disciplined!
Can't wait to see what you produce from your new space!