Have to

Recently I decided to give up "have to". Like I have to do the dishes before I go to bed. I have to brush my teeth three times a day. I have to be in a good mood when I see my friends. I'm not giving up a lot. I'm not a big have to person anyway. Well, so I thought. It really changes how I think about things. I don't have to do the dishes, but I am going to do the dished because I like a clean kitchen. I don't have to call someone, but I enjoy hearing what is new. I don't have to do the laundry, but I would prefer to wear clean clothes. Sometimes I prefer to just put on the dirty jeans.
What has happen is finding the joy behind some of the things I thought were "have to's". And finding the freedom to just let things go. Usually the consequence won't be that bad, which is another freeing thought.
Another mind game to play with this is "what if" . What if I try blacksmithing? I may be bad at it. What if I'm bad at it? Then ...the other kids will laugh....no, probably not that. I am bad at blacksmithing, btw, but after a few frustrating classes I'm really starting to enjoy benind metal. Mine doesn't look at nice, but I'm not doing it to compare myself with other people.
So, in case someone out there is wondering why I'm not talking about theology with this post, I am. If Christ sets us free, then we should live in that freedom and not bind ourselves with new laws and rules and worries. It all comes back around to God.
Claim your freedom! Well, you don't have to, but you might like it.