Once while in a Mexican market a negotiating vendor said to me, “It’s just $15 — almost free.” I forget now what I purchased but I remember that was the recurring message we heard, “almost free”. The words “free” and “freedom” I think are pretty misunderstood. That is perhaps because nearly everything free really isn’t — at least not in the since that we usually think. Even this FREE newsletter service has a cost associated with it. It cost you TIME to open and read it (thanks for doing that by the way). In the realm of fitness vernacular; fat-free, free range of motion, gym memberships with the first month free and the ultimate in free, “pain-free” exercise all come with a price in one way or another. Nearly every day I drive by a rather special place on planet earth. It is called Surrender Field in Yorktown, Virginia. Here is where, “British troops laid down their arms, surrendering 8,300 troops and effectively ending the American Revolution.” The area is crowded with tourist right now but in the quiet season it is a great place to run or bike. While the field is pastoral and beautiful, it is in fact the end of the story. It is when you explore the broader area and understand the passion that lead to the loss of life that the real beauty appears. The inspiration and appreciation is in understanding the cost of freedom. How free are you physically and spiritually? Almost free isn’t free at all. Don’t just be inspired by the price that was paid for your freedom — do something with it today.
