I now spend a large part of my life focusing on issues in the developing world. I run a charity raising funds for women entrepreneurs in remote rural villages and work for an international non-government organization helping people make their way out of poverty.
And with this exposure to ways of living across the world comes the recognition that freedom is a precious commodity.
It is not cheap, easy nor universal.
In fact, freedom is a measured commodity in the world freedom index. The index assesses the absence of coercive restraint when it comes to personal, civil, and economic freedoms. It measures the rule of law, access to sound money, size of government, legal systems and freedom of movement and religion.
In Australia we enjoy so many freedoms that we take for granted: a democratic system of government, the freedom to travel and vote and practice our religion without fear nor favour.
Yet may we see not only the gift of freedom but the opportunity it provides. To be generous, to be humble, to be brave. Not only for our neighbours but for our world.