The lights changed, and I looked up. The juxtaposition of branches, leaves, and lights left me with an image that I could not shake. I am connected in more ways than I can imagine – Divinity, family, friends, community, and beyond. There are threads within threads within threads. The idea that I might be alone does not make sense. I trust that “It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth.” (Ecclesiastes 4.9) I know there are more connections in my life than the ones I see and remember.
My creation infused me with a thirst to belong. From my earliest memories, I could feel my desire to be part of the family, to understand and connect with Divinity, and to be in relationship with others. I have come to view this desire as a thirst. There is an imperative deep within me to satisfy it. Even when there is an initial quenching, there is a relentless desire for more. I am not sure I have always been rational in my response. I have come to appreciate the desire for relationship as a Divine gift that introduces me to Divinity’s desire to be part of my life.
I can do more with others. It may seem obvious, even as my early life suggested that I had embraced a different premise. I was on a solo mission to change the world for the better. Time tempered my enthusiasm. With each effort, the experience left me with a lesson about the power of relationships, teamwork, and sharing. New words took residence in my heart: harmony, collaboration, and community. I begin to see life through the lens of community. I turned to collaboration in working, thinking, and decision making as an ideal I could embrace. I understood the power and role relationships played in my life, starting with those within the trusted centre.
When infused with light, everything is possible. Compassion, kindness, and care are more than just words and actions. Each is a catalyst, accelerating our journey to a better future.
