a lawn inside Dublin Castle grounds -- with a pattern to walk?
Here I am again, God
This afternoon, I stood inside the Dublin Castle looking at this lovely green lawn with the brickwork pattern laid out in it. I could see that some “paths” came to a deadend, but I wasn’t quite high enough to see if there was a way to successfully complete the circuit.
It looked inviting — and there weren’t any signs saying STAY OFF THE GRASS — but years of seeing such signs took their toll.
We are such conditioned creatures, God. You tell us that we HAVE BEEN SET FREE, but I am pretty sure that I do not yet understand that statement. I smiled, God, as I put in the word YET. But, audacious as it sounds, I feel as if I will come closer to understanding what FREE means.
a "king's" head to the left of one of the castle doors
I saw this face and was drawn to it. To me this is the face of a man who bears heavy burdens — who carries huge responsibilities. It doesn’t look like it has been easy.
It is tempting to think that given “kingly” power and wealth we would be really free. But the scripture I remember from Sundays in the Episcopal Church is “Those to whom much is given, from them, much is required”.
Then there is the whole question of the freedom to choose. When we have more money and power, or more money and time — we have more freedom to choose. But all choices have consequences. This man has made hard choices — undoubtedly some bad choices.
Ah, God, free doesn’t mean easy and it doesn’t mean being right. I suppose free means we have been given responsibility for ourself and as in the case of this king — sometimes for others.
So “being free” and having the courage to exercise and use that freedom are two different things. Courage and faith?
Sigh, it seems to me, God, that I have faith that You will point out my mistakes. And I have faith that You will help me ask You and others for forgiveness. Ah, but faith that I can exercise my freedom without mistakes and pain and failures? That seems to me more foolish than faithful. But it does bring me to YOU asking for help.
Story teller,
A Moment with God 
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