Yesterday’s dawn arrived in full force. By the time it began to peak over the horizon, I had already been up for hours. A morning class hosted 9 time zones away started things in the middle of the night. A call followed with colleagues in Seattle and Hong Kong. As I got into responding to overnight emails, I could see the early streaks of light beginning to emerge.
With a forward reflection on the day to come, I caught myself staring into the sun rising behind the building I called home five years ago. It was a fun time to remember the experiences since that time, consider the lessons, and embrace the opportunities to grow offered quietly by Life.
Life always comes with consequences. I often hear this as a threat. I have come to appreciate, with time, that this is a promise and opportunity. Yes, “to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!” (Romans 2.8). However, to those who embrace love and care as cornerstones of living, Fire in the best of all ways.
One has, with a new dawn, an opportunity to write a new story. There will be heat, dust, and even noise as this story unfolds. It is all a part of the experience. Yet the truth remains, I have an opportunity to write. I will tell my story of action, of embraced values revealed by my choices and decisions played out with others. The hints of what is coming is often found in a given moment, yet I retain control over the narrative. My story is just that, mine. Divinity, trusted friends, and community are characters who are helpful as I allow.
Each day, even moment is complete within itself and yet, it is not the whole story. In looking beyond my words, I find myself walking with others. My story is part of a story with many authors. We are never alone. As I open myself up to this possibility, I rediscover I am a Divine child with brothers and sisters.
