Dubai’s summer heat can be devastating. The combination of 120-degree+ (F, 49C) heat with high humidity saps the strength out of anyone who is outside. Although it is a little bit cooler at night, the humidity is higher, so it feels almost the same, intensely hot. As I look out on a relatively cool winter’s sunrise, the morning marine midst takes me back to a summer day and comments from a writer centuries ago. “You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that’s a picture of the ‘prosperous life.’ At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.” (James 1.11)
James’ observations of old continue to replay itself out in the community where I live.
External markers of status and wealth are often fleeting. I find the difference between those who remember when s/he had little and those who have been privileged with much to be startling. The former often downplays the externals, focusing on relationships, priorities, and values of the heart. The latter loves the flash and flitter of the external. Conversations are often superficial, almost trivial when heard in context of war, trauma, and fear. As I listen to the echo of my conversations of the past few days, I wonder which person is most frequently masquerading with my name.
Some conversations only happen for a one-sided reason. In contrast are the calls to check in, made for the primary to hear the other’s voice, catch up on the events of the other’s life, and to share in the stories of the journey. With the first, I often forget the substance as the words on the phone fade to silence. As the second call finishes, I smile and laugh to myself long after we have each gone back to the moment demanding our attention. The hope shared, the compassion served, feeds one soul.
Passing glory fades in the heat, as enduring friendship thrives.
