Exodus 35:5 & 20-22 & 29, “‘Take from among you a contribution to the LORD; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’S contribution…Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses’ presence. Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’S contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments. Then all whose hearts moved them, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and bracelets, all articles of gold; so did every man who presented an offering of gold to the LORD…The Israelites, all the men and women, whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the LORD had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the LORD.” Moses tells the people that there is a need for materials to construct and have resources for the Tabernacle. The last sentence calls it a freewill offering. It wasn’t something that they had to do. No obligation. Throughout the text descriptions are given about what was going on inside of the people: “whoever is of a willing heart”, “everyone whose heart stirred him” and “everyone whose spirit moved him” We have obligations in family, work and ministry. Outside of that we order our days as we choose. We can exercise, read, watch tv, call a friend, be helpful and so on. Much like a freewill offering. In which way does our heart stir us? This concept of freedom didn’t settle well with me for years. I felt guilty about leisure and hobbies and down time. In my first or second year as a christian I visited convalescent homes to visit people. It was a nice gesture, but I began to do it out of obligation and guilt. I had trouble driving by the place. My conscience would haunt me. I didn’t feel free. I’m not sure where this notion came from. Psychologically, I would say that I didn’t feel approved of. Almost as if I could envision disappointed teachers shaking their heads. I would transfer that feeling of disapproval to God. Much like an employee is always busy when the boss is in. This makes it tough with God, because He is omnipresent. The boss is always looking. I felt the need to always be serving. I didn’t grasp the concept of freedom. I began to learn about grace. God wasn’t this harsh individual staring down with a disapproving face. He loves us and seeks to draw us with His love, not guilt and obligation. Lord, thank You that You give us freedom. Help us to enjoy You in our leisure and our service.