In my walk to and from work I pass a fountain in front of an office tower. The building is striking in its minimalistic rectangular designs, simple lines, and dual coloring. For unknown reasons, the tower is unoccupied, silently attended to by a rotating crew of two security guards inside. Except for the fountain in front of its main entrance, the tower waits for a day for occupants who will come with the fullness of time. After waiting for an opening ceremony for more than three years, I no longer predict the beginning.
The fountain has become a living lesson reminder. Even though there are no occupants in the building, everyone walking by experiences the sound of water flowing over and down the side of a golden metal cube with reflection light playing against the sun in the day and colored lights in the darkness. It is a functioning testimony to doing what one is called to do regardless of the circumstances.
I am struck by the way an artist’s handiwork has consistently touched anyone within its reach. I know it has the potential to touch many more when the building is full, and yet without consideration to this end, it has delivered on its design and calling. In each experience I hear of an echo of Peter’s promise of our future and calling, “including a future in heaven – and the future starts now!” (1 Peter 1.4)
In a wonderfully creative way, the satin silvery gold finished cube, with water flowing over its top and down its sides, responds to the light in an ever-adapting way. With a softness in the morning light before dawn to sharp contrasts with direct sunlight and playful dances responding to colored lights in the night’s darkness, one is gifted with a tailored experience to each moment.
With a bus stop nearby, there are days when I share my experience with several others. Most of the time, I am an audience of one. Without regard to the audience size, the fountain delivers on its calling. I am better for it.
