The portrait mural was looking just beyond where I could see. As I turned my head to see what was just beyond, I realised my attention was still lingering on the metaphoric birds flying in all directions from his face. Were they coming or going; was it a mix of both? In reaching out, I found myself searching for the artist’s message. My mind boggled between past and present, today and tomorrow, the real and the imaginary.
The whispers within took advantage of the puzzling portrait and left me with questions that are creating reminder insights for the day ahead.
Life touches all of us regardless of who we are. There are no considerations that shape what unfolds. The strong are struck down by illness and tragedy. Nothing correlates between goodness and evil’s touch, except the casual observation that goodness attracts evil. An old reminder is still replaying: “I’ve seen it all in my brief and pointless life – here a good person cut down in the middle of doing good, there a bad person living a long life of sheer evil.” (Ecclesiastes 7.15). I hear a clear admonition: get over the irony and unfairness of it all and get on with the calling to live as long and as full as life gives you.
Chaos is another name for movement that I do not understand. When everything is flowing in the way I planned, I experience life at a speed. It may seem like chaos and craziness to those not in on the plan. Equally, when I miss the signals, life’s confusion creates waves of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. I love the stillness portrayed, always as if he is experiencing the joy of success and the wonder of Divinity at work. As I embrace curiosity, I rediscover hope. In my willingness to walk with faith, I realise that I am moving forward with trust wrapped with care and goodness.
Each moment is an invitation to move forward. Celebrate the past and let go. Be in the moment with eyes fixed on one’s calling and purpose.
