As the day begins, I look at the notes in my red book and feel as if I am entering a Bangkok night market. Even before I start my walk, I know there are going to be row after row of small shops presenting endless choices, each with their ever so slight variation. Unless I know exactly what and where I am going to look, I will be lost within minutes.
As I reflect on the scene I entered with two friends, I find myself considering the lessons learned and how they fit the day ahead.
Knowing my why and what makes a difference in the outcome of how. In knowing my priorities and values (why today, similar to knowing my need for a cooling shirt that would protect me from the sun) and the solution I am looking for (what today, similar to my the long sleeve t-shirt could be a workable solution that could protect me from the sun while staying cool), I could navigate the market with purpose and intent (how today). It sounds complicated as I write. Said another way, knowing one’s heart and one’s desires is essential to where one begins.
Letting go and being open to the new is required for the journey ahead. It is easy and natural to bring yesterday’s burdens, problems, and biases to the day ahead. They were tangibly real and difficult. However, they do not need to be connected to the future. I can choose. Remembering Paul’s words, I am “no longer shackled to that domineering mate of sin, and out from under all those oppressive regulations and fine print, [I’m} we’re free to live a new life in the freedom of God.” (Romans 7.6)
Life is for living fully and completely. I have an opportunity to use unknowns and fears as my soul’s motivation. I can make a difference. I know my heart and soul. I can rely on my mind and my experience. Today is my opportunity to put everything to work with my personal wrapper of care, kindness, and hope, Insha’Allah.
