Independence Day

And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:9-12
There is no evidence of the crowd and the commotion now. Earlier today more than six hundred people, hot and sweaty people, crowded on my mom's lawn to celebrate Independence Day in this unique little community. My mother at 87 still makes gallons and gallons of cool aid and buys tons of cookies to feed the starving bike parade participants and their families. It is a labor of love, not a business, a thankful gift of one who understands the cost of freedom and independence. A joy for one who loves to share with others, who loves to feed others and make them smile. A gift for an entire community from one who prizes her life as a servant and understands love than is bounteous in the love of others.

As this very long day ends, I want to give thanks for the examples of servant faithfulness that was and is the gift of my parents. Whatever they did, they did with a care and concern for their community, for the neediest among us. I want to give thanks for all those who have offered themselves in the service of others. For true independence, true freedom come with that selfish kind of love, which is humble always, and always a gift of God.