Watching an artist at work, big or small, creates wonder within. I enjoy the process, vicariously anticipating the artist’s next move, only to be pleasantly surprised when s/he takes a turn I did not imagine. In its own ways, watching Al Reem evolve over the past years has been like watching an artist labour over a painting in slow motion. From two distinct vantage points, I have guessed how things were going to unfold, only to be taken on a new path.
As a new phase unfolds, the picture of the community is beginning to take shape. The random canals make more sense, odd-shaped roads appear to have logic behind them, and random holes in the ground are now laying out a picture for the future.
I reflect on how much has changed. I wonder if the full story was understood at the beginning or was the required approval a decision by phase. There are whispers reminding me of the unintentional things in life which occur. I catch myself taking credit for the good and explaining away the bad, even when I did not anticipate the outcome of my action. It is a timely reminder of the following.
Life’s outcomes are just that, outcomes. The question I need to wrestle with is the present moment. Yes, I can learn from the past. There are lessons found in every day. Whatever I take from these, the immediate question I need to answer is quite simple. What will I do with the moment I have?
Unintended consequences come with different types of learning. Intentional actions create obvious actions. However, in situations where one did not anticipate what followed, the lesson question is one of seeing. An old reminder plays out in this case; “If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, that’s a different story entirely.” (Romans 2.12)
I love the creativity of artists and urban planners. They see something few dare to imagine. This moment is my opportunity to follow their lead.
