As we were cleaning out a closet in a guest bedroom, I could only think about how this wasn't the way it was supposed to be. This room was supposed to be cleaned out because of a new baby on the way and filled with joy and hopeful anticipation. While I was taking a lot of miscellaneous things out of the closet, I pulled a small elephant figurine down. I had not remembered putting it on the shelf, but as I held it, I began to feel so seen by El Roi, the God who sees. The little elephant figurine I held had been gifted to me by a dear childhood friend years ago after she took a trip to Thailand. Recently I had a conversation with another friend over supper where she shared about her time in Thailand and the people she fell in love with. I learned how the elephant represents so much to the people of Thailand and how the meaning of Thailand itself is "Land of the Free." It became so clear He was speaking to me about the freedom I have in Him; the freedom He continues to call me to step into. He is where my freedom is found and where places of bondage break. So while I didn't choose the circumstances I had found myself in, I was encouraged to step into the freedom provided by El Roi and to believe the land of the free is found in Him. He sees me and so I am free.
