There are two plaques on each floor of my apartment building. One reminds me of the floor I am on. Helpful since the landings look alike. The second is a fire warning. Normally there would be an arrow pointing to the exit. However, this one simply tells me to run away. I know where the stairwells are. Each is, I believe my fire escape route. The sign itself puzzles me. I know is a signal. However, what is it pointing to?
There are multiple choices. Experiences can be indicators or tell-tales. Events and memories which follow could be guiding voices. Each may be seen as an opportunity to learn or as one of many milestones on the journey. Is there one choice to be taken or many to be considered?
As I overlay my way of understanding my journey on the puzzles of the day, I find myself returning to two observations.
In each moment I find a choice. I can be a force of compassion, caring, and community or I can stand up for myself and fight. I hate fighting. I choose the three Cs, aspiring to act in kindness and love in every moment.
Each moment carries at least one insight or lesson. Often, there are many. The lessons are examples of failure or opportunities for growth. I choose to grow, to move towards a better future.
In this reflection, I look at the plaque and see someone running from a life-threatening fire. I could be stuck, knowing there is no escape. However, I know there is more, safety is possible. I am not stuck with the fire. I can choose to live. Paul’s reminder says it well; “There’s no comparison between that death-dealing sin and this generous, life-giving gift. The verdict on that one sin was the death sentence; the verdict on the many sins that followed was this wonderful life sentence.” (Romans 5.16)
My fire doors are found at the stairwells on each floor. My door to living is found in embracing compassion, care, and community, each a Divine gift to all.
