As I stepped into the elevator, I found myself with gifts that had been carelessly left behind. As the journey unfolded, Life challenged me to metaphorically understand the choices the day ahead had in store for me. Visually, it was a ridiculous choice, humorous in so many ways. There was no chance I was going to pick the trash choice over the hope and opportunity I knew was waiting for me on the 11th floor. As I look forward to today, I doubt every choice will be as obvious. Experience often reminds me of the less-than-ideal decisions I have made in the past. I recall how I rationalised the choices I made, frequently unwilling and unable to see how they were taking me away from hope and opportunity.
The framework for what is right always includes truth, compassion, and community. I find myself defined and whole in the relationships I have, starting with my relationship with Divinity, and followed by those closest to my heart. When I see these elements with clarity, my priorities align with my values and faith, and goodness naturally follows. The hard work is not in the choices that I need to make. The hard work in the day is in the care I take to restore and recreate Divinity’s love within me.
Each step is an expression of my faith and values. The opportunity of the step is more than a choice in direction. Each step combines the intent of my heart with expressions of freedom and responses to the needs of others. There is a universal calling that echoes across time. “We should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift!” (Ecclesiastes 5.19)
As today dawns, I am thankful for the opportunity to live, for the freedom to make choices, and for the guidance life offers me. I can make a difference! I can express care! I can take Life’s gifts of unconditional acceptance, knowing I belong, and enduring hope, and gift it to others who are searching for the same.
