Freedom is such a hard concept. In my own life I have felt most free as a child on holidays. Nothing to do but play outside. Riding bikes, pets, playing cricket, or in the mud.
PICTURE: MI PHAM/Unsplash
But is that even freedom? I was safe in the world mum and dad made. I had freedom, in my tiny little world. Like a pet in the backyard. The fact that my pleasures were simple certainly helped!
Perhaps what we desire is not freedom at all but parenting. Someone to look after us, carry all our burdens and responsibilities to keep us anxiety free. But we would never grow up.
Is this where God fits? We need a parent to hold back the existential dread that freedom brings, yet give us a big enough yard so we can grow. Sounds divine.
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.
