Looking across the water at Al Reem and Al Maryah islands always leaves me with a mental painting. I see a vision, investment, and hard work playing out in this work of art. It was simple when I first arrived. Others recall when it was empty. With these memories as reference points, today’s miracle is profound.
The potential of anything raw and undeveloped should not be underestimated. There is a natural bias that only the established are relevant. I have come to understand that this bias is, for me, rooted in the belief that whatever existed yesterday will continue to exist and even dominate in the future. The night view which reflects free zones, businesses, hospitals, schools, and thousands of residents challenges the truth of my bias.
The lessons of last night dominate the start of a new day.
The vision of what can be is best told through the eyes of a bigger story. In Al Reem’s case, it was the vision of the emirate leadership. In your case and mine, even when we struggle to imagine and believe, it is easy to forget Divinity’s perspective. A wisdom writer left us with a reminder; “Out of sheer generosity, he [Divinity] put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.” (Romans 3.24).
Hidden in the lights is the work still in progress. Al Reem and Al Maryah are growing up. There is so much work yet to do to finish the dream they represent. With too many grey hairs, one might think I should be a finished product. I have come to appreciate the life-long journey required to be a better man. The work, at least in my case, is never done. It is in the daily challenge to realise the dream that I rediscover what it means to live fully and completely.
Desire, commitment, and courage are essential to the dream; now the work continues.
