I waited, knowing I was where I needed to be. The step was now complete and in the books. Part of me wanted to move on, even as my heart and head urged me to enjoy the moment for what it was. As I stood on the edge of the stones, my reflection was pushed by Life’s whispers to consider the fullness of my life, along with the opportunities and challenges that remained.
There is a fullness to life that inevitably leads to the same milestone. The reality of it all has been noted across the ages: “We all end up in the same place – we all came from dust, we all end up as dust.” (Ecclesiastes 3.20) Paraphrasing a friend’s words as he shared his view on his life’s completion, in seeing the end, sooner than ever imagined, one has an opportunity to fully appreciate the love and relationships in one’s life. His intensity and commitment strike my heart and soul. As hard as it is for him, his choice invites me to follow his lead.
Life’s paths contain steps where one’s fears, uncertainties, and doubts are shared with others. In this awareness, I feel compassion and empathy rising. I do not need to draw anyone’s attention to it. For many, including me, it is not an easy discussion topic. Knowing this, my calling to engage in support for the journeys of those around me is clear. It is not a time to rush to judgment or condemnation, regardless of who they are or what they are doing. Life is hard enough! Divinity is wrapping her arms around me with unconditional acceptance, an embrace of mercy, and a spirit of hope. Having experienced this, I cannot help sensing the call to do the same for those I meet.
Life’s opportunities are found now, even if this moment is our last. As the poet in Sunflowers in Babylon reminds us, planting for the future is our eternal calling. As the dawn unfolds, I commit to planting seeds of compassion, kindness, and care with each step.
