In walking through Seoul’s historical palace grounds and then a section of town that reminded me of New York’s SoHo district when it was edgy, I caught myself walking through the stories of war and creativity that are found in my mind. Life unfolds in random ways, pushing and shifting one’s perspective. I realized that I have been gifted with a broad range of experiences, good and challenging. While painful and disruptive at times, when looking at the whole, I cannot imagine asking for more.
There are scattered battles, real and imagine, many of my creation. There are many that I could have avoided if I had been willing to listen to the advice by those that cared or knew better. There were battles that remain as examples of how evil can dominate, if only for a time. I find myself repeating observations first made centuries ago; “I’ve got more enemies than hairs on my head; sneaks and liars are out to knife me in the back. What I never stole, must I now give back?” (Psalm 69.4) In some cases, the outcome was not fair, yet there were times that it was.
Mixed in the reflection were moments that have left their creative marks on my soul. I think of a wall we created with an invitation for anyone to leave a tag reflecting the author’s mark. The process and outcome were wonderful echoes of society at that time. I think of shuffle books and I still wonder why I did not buy two instead of one to give away. Images and pictures in my mind included stretcher frames, art installations, and wonderful examples of great food. Individuals stand out in each picture and image, adding their personality and leaving me with a link to something much greater than myself.
I had no idea where the walk would take me. In the end it lasted for the better part of a day, far longer than I ever imagined. In the mix of good and bad, wonder and beauty, friendships and love, life is amazing.
