Liberty

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm…” Galatians 5:1 NASB

It felt as though their hearts and bodies were yearning and longing for her. They had stood for hours looking hoping for a glimpse of her and then seeing her in the distance, their hearts celebrated. They were experiencing the great winds and ocean spray of expectation. When they had drawn very near, they recognized her as Lady Liberty, she reminded them of everything they treasured and everyone they held dear. This is why they had gone; this is why they had come home.

Actually, you know them or you remember them. At the end of WWII in New York City was a huge victory parade for the men and women who had served. It was called a “ticker tape parade.” As the paper fell upon them from the tall buildings ahead, this was a great time of celebration, not only for the great city but all of America. The great amount of paper that descended upon them made it look like the world’s largest litter parade, and you remember their faces. The picture of the sailor kissing the young girl, perhaps we still have many friends that might have even been there or knew them. These were the greatest generation, these are the ones that went to war and battled for our liberty.

Celebration
Today, I was set free. I went through the doors of Mayo Hospital, finally to come to my parents’ home. My heart soared and sang, I too had anticipated this very moment for so many hours and so much seemed to work against me in the battle to keep me from it. Sometimes it almost seemed it would be out of reach, that there would be no way to make it home or to have strength. But God in His enormous generosity guided me, pushed me, stretched me, hurt me, and most of all loved me all the way. I was there 72 days. Now I have the rest of my life to live at home and I too will party in my heart every day.

Cost
Strangely enough, going through those doors also ignited another equally powerful emotion. It was an emotion of loss. Because I knew at that moment that so many of the wonderful people at Mayo I would not see again. I will see some in follow-up visits and outpatient activities, but the majority of them I leave on the battlefield to save even more lives. This period in the hospital seems like an entirely separate lifetime, a life filled with a new family there during the toughest times. So I thank them for their sacrifice and time and doing whatever it took. One of the greatest honor and glory of the soldier is his dedication and willingness to give all for his brothers.

Coming home
So, we’re in the van. I too am leaning forward in expectation, overwhelmed by both emotions, the ocean spray of my tears flowing down my cheeks. I see my parents’ house and as I step out of the van, I know I am home. God has for me that kind of freedom; He gives me liberty to experience Him fully. This may involve sacrifice, cost and overwhelming challenges, but He is always more than a conqueror and He is always working to bring us home.

Again, thank you for your prayers, and soon I will be coming home to paradise and my Hawaii ohana and friends.

Your friend,
Dan