Our conversation over food in an amazing setting created a deep reflection within. The food brought a sense of wonder and thankfulness. I loved the chef’s creativity with traditional dishes. With each bite, my thankfulness grew. The warmth of the table conversation was born in trust and grew with candour. As the pieces came together, I found myself deep in the conversation while buried in personal reflection.
The reflection from the day has stayed with me. Several swivel points that emerged have become forks, dividing what was and what will be. Among my reflections, the following life notes have emerged.
Life is rarely a straight line. There are forks in my path where I face the choice of left or right, east or west. While the context varies, there is a shared experience with each fork in the road. The experience is one of new awareness, understanding, and ultimately a choice to be made. There is no reason to be surprised when the moment occurs. As one grows, one perspective changes. In this change, one becomes aware that staying true to the values and priorities closest to one’s heart requires change.
Reaching a decision that leads to a turn, away from the past, does not mean the past was a failure. It means that one can see a better outcome and is taking a bold step in moving towards it. The old observation that “one man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right,” (Romans 5.19) is an example of the choice and fork in the road. Until I was aware of the possibility of standing in the right, I was doing the best with what I knew.
Life can be about realizing our greatest dreams. I imagine individuals filled with compassion and kindness. I hope for relationships driven by love and care. I look for communities where compassion, kindness, love, and care thrive. In striving to be a part of these communities, I find my purpose and joy in living.
