As I sat in the lounge, enjoying the peace and quiet with a glass of water, I found myself considering the elements that bring life together. It is easy to take water for granted until you do not have access to clean water or water at all. One may forget about the role water plays, only to rediscover its importance when the thirst that follows being out under the sun overwhelms you.
As I consider the elements in my life, I find myself reflecting on where “I” fit. Life is reminding me of the following.
“I” am a vehicle of kindness and care. It is an open invitation. As broad as this invitation is, the reality of care and kindness is most often found in an individual’s actions and words. My invitation is a mantle of responsibility and accountability. It can be seen as a burden. I see it as an opportunity to be at my best, bringing what is always in short supply, kindness and care.
It is easy to demean oneself and look critically at others. The evidence can be ugly. It can support an old observation, “It says in Scripture, what is man and woman that you bother with them; why take a second look their way?” (Hebrews 2.6) The opposite is equally true. “I” can bring beauty and peace to a situation. “I” can be a vehicle that demonstrates what it means to be accepted unconditionally. “I” can model what it means to belong to a community. Life is about the relationships in my life and the opportunities each represents.
The question yesterday and today is the same. What will I do with this moment? I can learn from yesterday. I can see tomorrow as a series of possibilities. Everything pivots in the moment I find myself in. As much as I have spoken and written about this, I am only now coming to appreciate what it means to be fully and completely present. It is a unique gift, calling for my full attention and commitment while putting aside anything that distracts.
