Do you realize who and what you are? The question isn’t one that is easily answered. Often the answer is complicated and long, losing the listener weeks before one gets to the final destination! In reflection and reading I came across a simple description of a city. The description answers the question; simply, easily, and accurately. Walk with me through the answer. Explore with me what it might mean if we understood the breath and depth of our statement.
“The City shimmered like a precious gem, light-filled, pulsing light. She had a wall majestic and high with twelve gates.” (Revelation 21.11)
You are the city. The barriers to your soul have twelve gates. The gates are grouped in threes, each facing different direction; seeing with the west, hearing in the north, feeling in the east, and action in the south. Each group of gates shares something in common with one other and so the particular name is held in common – compassion, judgment, and communion. When you combine the gate’s name with the direction you have a unique access point; “Seeing with Compassion” and “Feeling with Compassion”.
Metaphors are fun, insightful, and maddening all at the same time! This is one of the puzzles that may make sense over time, or it may just confuse. The critical aspects only unveil themselves as you journey through the layers. Key aspects to remember at the beginning include the following.
First, we may think we are islands but the fact is that we stand out while others are taking notes, and as a result are constantly find themselves experiencing an unfolding story in our lives.
Second, we may have barriers around our souls yet there are twelve big, wide, open gates that good and evil can come through.
Third, any aspect of the scene is interesting however the other part that is relevant is the fact that we control what the “city” stands for and what others see.
My prayer is that God dwells in your city and mine. Divinity is looking for a home, may it always be us.
