As we arrived on the 35th floor to visit a friend, I turned to look at the light streaming in on my left. In the clear view, the pedestal stood barren in stark relief, almost as if it was waiting for something. I smiled, knowing Life was going to share a whisper with me. In the two days since I keep catching myself turning to the first moment of awareness. So far, the notes that are resting on me include the following.
In stark relief, always know there is more. While my initial view was of the scene in the distance, as my attention turned to the immediate, I could imagine so much more. Just imagine flowers to celebrate the holiday week ahead. Having been already selected, could a sculpture be on the way? I could see myself as the pedestal as I replayed Paul’s words; “If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we’re at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life!” (Romans 5.10)
Look in the shadows as well as the light. Seeing the obvious is easy. Understanding the full picture is not always easy. I find amazing pearls in the mundane, joy in unheralded acts of kindness, and wonder as individuals do the right thing without thought for reward or recognition. As easy as it was to see the buildings in the distance, it was in reflecting on the immediate that I was gifted with lessons for today.
Simplicity often reveals more than complexity. In turning to the moment at hand, I found a friend waiting with open arms. In the welcome and conversation which followed, my life expanded and deepen as I walked together with others.
In the embrace of life gifts, we discover Divine home and restoration. Hope can shape the moment that is now. It is not our failures which define us, it is our potential. Within Divinity’s presence, love is in hand.
