I walked into the fading light toward Al Maryah Island. My arrival seems like it was yesterday. At the same time, it feels as if I have been here for a long period of time. I had no idea what to expect. I had heard things were growing in the region. The specifics were vague. Few individuals were making the move. At the time, the opportunity pushed my fears and uncertainties aside. Today, I am an advocate for anyone thinking of making the move. At the same time, it is hard to describe what one will find when s/he gets here.
I paused, enjoying the reflection. My awareness of what I had experienced opened a door to my awareness and view of Divinity. Experience changes everything. Insight coupled with emotional memories and intellectual understanding establishes a new framework through which I see Divinity.
Along the way, my certainty of pragmatic answers shifted towards a compassion-driven view that acceptance and respect are keys to a doorway that introduces one to Divinity. Forcing someone through only leads to a lingering view of what s/he left behind. Guilting or fearmongering may push them into a space everyone understands is only temporary.
A welcome embrace of unconditional acceptance and respect opens one’s heart to Divinity in all her glory. “Once people have seen the light, gotten a taste of heaven and been part of the work of the Holy Spirit” (Hebrews 6.4), life forever changes. What others gifted me had a consequential impact on the experience that followed. In their welcome, I discovered that I was part of a caring and kind community with the purpose of making a difference.
In working within the community, taking steps to bring kindness and care to each moment, I experience purpose, peace, and hope. Life chaos and battles fade, and I find myself with opportunities to rest so that I can live.
Today’s dawn is a fresh start with new challenges and choices to be made. I see this differently because of the sunset and my experiences. It’s my time for bold actions.
