The Sound of Freedom – A Labor of Love Today & Everyday

Last spring I started out on an early morning walk my thoughts drifted from myself to everything around me. The air was crisp, waking my aching body, and the sun greeted me with a warm touch. It wasn't long before I heard and recognized an unfamiliar sound, the sound of a military helicopter approaching. It was loud, but comforting. Then another, even closer. These were the unmistakable sounds of our nation’s finest doing their job, defending our freedom.

While I met my morning in a leisurely fashion, others were working hard at keeping me safe. The sound was reassuring, yet brought conviction. Like so many others, I had been guilty of taking my freedom for granted. No shame or fault finding, simply my truth. It’s easy to do, when you are safely removed from the everyday sounds of war and safety. Far from my city life and Texas home, I was hearing the sounds of everyday life on base.

I couldn’t help but reflect on my safety. I could walk the streets and choose how my day would play out, because they were doing their job. This amazing sound, the sound of hardware in the air, secured my freedom. A single tear strolled down my cheek as I thought of the price paid, not only by those in the air or on the ground, but of those in the homes and schools who pay equally with their lives.

It wasn’t guns and bombs I heard. It wasn’t smoke or flesh burning I smelled. It was the hardware in the sky that guaranteed my freedom. And our God in heaven that assured my peace.

The sound of freedom isn’t heard by all, but you and I experience their labor of love because they’re on the job 24/7/365.

Psalm 139:9-10
“If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.”

Genesis 28:15
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

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Reflective Thoughts by Chandra Adams

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