This morning did not, for me at least, start foggy. With a cup of coffee in hand, I looked out over the island towards the port and the sea only to realise that from my blindside, the fog was slowly taking over. From the twenty-eighth floor, I was on the top edge of the fog, so it strangely obscured everything with just a hope of clarity, if I kept my eyes looking up.
The scene is surreal. It looks dusty without any sandy smell. It seems like there is a temperature difference. If there is, I cannot feel it. As I wonder, I can hear Life teasing out lesson reminders for the day ahead.
Life can be hazy and confusing, especially when you do not look up. Every viewpoint is different. How one responds to what one sees is one of our first decisions with the freedom we have. For my sanity and clarity, I need to start my day with reflection and contemplation. In short, I need to look up. I find myself aware of what is around me. I can sense Life guiding my view so that understanding begins. It is a quiet time of truth and choice.
The next step is often not clear. I have come to respect the reality of freedom and choice. Principles, values, and priorities help guide, but there with a few rules to set the stage. For me, it starts with community. Simply put, “Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen.” (Romans 13.1) It continues with harmony. It is as simple and stunningly difficult as unconditionally accepting those around me as well as myself. Each step ruled by the mantra of kindness and care.
With the fog, not every step will be perfect. I will stumble. I will, on more occasions than I like to admit, misstep. In realising this is part of growing, I find myself looking up, knowing I want a better future, and taking the next step.
