As the plane taxied to the take-off runway in Abu Dhabi, I found myself in a quiet reflection. I was aware that once the plane took off, everything that followed would be new. Of the 80+ countries I have been to, this was going to be a new country. With blurred memories of airports and places I have travelled to with work, the experiences would be a first in many ways. The night flight and scene from my window seat captured my awareness of flying into the darkness. The lights on the tarmac left me with questions that I considered as the darkness surrounded the plane’s flight path over the desert sands.
It seems easier to ignore the light, even as I know my mind will remind me of my experience of being in it. I could go in with intentional listening, awareness, and acceptance. Alternatively, I could land without a care in the world, enjoying the ride. The choices were another version of the old observation about Divinity; “As long as you did what you felt like doing, ignoring God, you didn’t have to bother with right thinking or right living, or right anything for that matter.” (Romans 6.20)
Light is fleeting unless someone uses it to go into action. The two bays away from the terminal were empty. No planes, ground staff, or any signs that anything was going to happen soon. I could plan on using my experience and awareness to carry the light into the darkness ahead, or I could simply respond in the moment. In the awareness of the empty scene in front of me, I resolved that the days ahead were going to be different.
The light available now can be used through the darkness and into the day ahead. Insights can change the future with my embrace. In letting the light fill my heart and soul, I found myself encouraged and refilled with hope. This was a time of preparation. Divinity was here, willing to share and strengthen. There are times to act and times to prepare for acting.
