Read
Golden by Jill Scott
I’m taking my freedom,
Pulling it off the shelf,
Putting it on my chain,
Wear it around my neck,
I’m taking my freedom,
Putting it in my car,
Wherever I choose to go,
It will take me far.

I’m taking my own freedom
Putting it in my song,
Singing loud and strong,
Grooving all day long,
I’m taking my freedom,
Putting it in my stroll,
I’ll be high-steppin’ y’all,
Letting the joy unfold!

I’m holding on to my freedom,
Can’t take it from me,
I was born into it,
It comes naturally,
I’m strumming my own freedom,
Playing the God in me,
Representing his glory,
Hope he’s proud of me.

I’m living my life like it’s golden!

Reflect
Children teach in sneaky ways.

While driving to school, my 10-year-old daughter and I usually listen to classical music, but sometimes I hand her my phone so that she can choose a song. Last week, on the last day of school, she chose Golden, by Jill Scott. “It’s my signature song,” she said, and proceeded to sing along loudly.

It’s certainly a song she knows well. I’ve played it for my girls frequently, using it as an entre into discussion about the importance of living each day to the fullest, and honoring the God that is inside us. Golden is how I want them to think of their lives – and themselves. But how often do I take Jill’s advice? Not often enough.

Hearing this song on the last day of the school year marked a timely reminder for me to live my life like it’s golden. It’s time for you, too.

-Miriam McKinney

Respond
The 50 days of Easter proves that God wants us to live our lives like we’re golden. Try starting each day by thinking of the lyrics of this song as a prayer. Imagine celebrating the God in you, joyously, each day! How often do you think of your life that way? Let’s start today.

God, help me to live my life like it’s golden. Help me to take my freedom off the shelf and wear it, sing it, stroll with it, ride with it. Help me represent your glory that lives in me. I ask all of this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Lyrics  ©Jill Scott