Show and Tell
Insights From Vacation Bible School
Finding Refuge and Freedom in His Care
Life Pictures
It was “Show and Tell” day at Vacation Bible School, and Emily showed up with a birdcage.
Inside sat her pet bird, Melody—tiny, yellow, and surprisingly calm.
Eric leaned in. “Why doesn’t she fly away? The cage door’s gone!”
Emily smiled. “She could—but she won’t. She knows I’ll take care of her.”
Someone laughed. “That bird’s dumb!”
But Miss Marla stepped in, as she always did. “Melody isn’t dumb,” she said gently. “She just knows where she’s loved. She may fly out for a bit—but she always comes back.”
Freedom Within Love
That scene stuck with me.
Freedom isn’t doing whatever we want. It’s finding safety in the One who loves us.
David said, “People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings” (Psalm 36:7).
We all hide somewhere—behind our work, our reputation, our substances, our relationships.
We build cages we think will protect us, but they end up imprisoning us.
Absolute freedom isn’t escaping responsibility or risk; it’s resting in God’s care.
Melody could fly away—but she’d lose what made her feel safe.
So could we.
When I stay close to God, I’m not trapped. I’m held.
The Price of Freedom
Jesus bought that freedom with His life.
He didn’t clip our wings—He redeemed them.
No
w we can soar, not in rebellion, but in relationship.
I’ve learned that every time I “fly off” chasing control, success, or comfort, I end up longing to come home again—to the safety of His presence.
Because the only truly free place in the universe is within His love.
Freedom apart from love is just another form of fear.
But freedom within love? That’s refuge.
Reflection
Where are you tempted to find refuge apart from God’s presence?
What does freedom look like when you know you’re loved and secure?
How can you rest under His wings instead of running from His care?
Prayer