I love dates. There is an opportunity in the Emirates to explore and experience a range of dates from all over the region. Saudi and Jordan dates are among my favourites. Of more relevance, the Ajwa variety of dates is, for me, a special treat. I was invited to try a fresh date on a recent visit to my favourite dried fruit shop in the Mina port. I had no idea what I was going to taste or experience. To my surprise, it was unique and good. As different as it is from a dried date, I immediately knew what I was enjoying was part of the family.
An individual changes when you know s/he is family. S/he could be from the same city, school, or a distant relative. When one is aware that this is real, for me, even if it is a strong possibility, everything changes. For reasons that I do not comprehend, I see the individual differently. I look at the world around me and imagine what it would be like if everyone was family. When I pause, I realise every individual is already my sister or brother, even if I did not choose to acknowledge them.
What I share with those around me, even those I dislike, often describes what makes us who we are. Our differences create uniqueness on the edges, not in the centre. The older I get, the more I realise that my greatest desires, strongest aspirations, and deepest fears are likely common to everyone around me. I may see myself as different, even as I am reacting and behaving in the same way. One author observed that “Since the One who saves and those who are saved have a common origin, Jesus doesn’t hesitate to treat them as family.” (Hebrews 2.11) It is sad that it is difficult to replicate this model even with the overwhelming evidence of our shared origins.
The potential to love, embrace, and welcome a family member is always with us, no matter what happened the last time we met. Today is family time.
