In the quietness of the sunset over Abu Dhabi, I found myself waiting. I was in a new place; my vantage point was filled with emotions and reflections. As I looked and considered the possibilities, I was not sure if I was looking to the past or the present, maybe even the future. The cup was open, ready to be filled, and so it remained that way for the evening.
I did not ask for my cup to be filled. To my wonder long after the fact, no one offered. I found myself imagining how I would like to fill my cup. I considered the events leading up to yesterday, where this finds me, and what today will bring. The lessons I considered yesterday evening are shaping the way I see today.
Life is bigger than I imagine. Candidly, there is more to life than what I think and know. Listened to a friend as the sun disappeared and found myself in a world I did not imagine or anticipate. The conversation opened the door to a new idea, like Paul’s reveal “of the church that meets in their house. Hello to my dear friend Epenetus. He was the very first Christian in the province of Asia.” (Romans 16.5)
Life gifts, tangible and real, are available even when I do not know they exist. In the conversation at sunset, I found a friend willing to stand beside me, celebrating and sitting in the darkness with me so that I would always know I am not alone. I looked forward, the willingness to stay with me, to help along the way was there.
Life calls for engagement. My empty cup remained so because no one chose to engage. As I consider the moment that is now, I hear my calling to be present in the moment. My readiness and willingness to share, walk, and support changes everything. Darkness gives way to light, uncertainty to hope, and an awareness of being alone to an experience of belonging. Divinity’s presence can be experienced as She reaches out to all.
