As I look out the window, I can see a familiar intersection. I cannot see what happens after cars, trucks, and motorcycles enter the square until they exit because a four-lane overpass blocks my view. I only see the comings and goings, hearing the occasional loud sound indicating someone is in a hurry.
This intersection shares lessons to help me in my day.
Often, traffic at this intersection reflects local holidays, school times, work hours, and calls to worship. They indicate what is happening within the community. One notes how international holidays leave their mark with a reduced Easter traffic flow on routine local workdays. In pressure of arbitrary deadlines, one is reminded of how important these markers are.
With the overpass covering, I hear exceptional exhaust noises echoing up and out. One might think s/he can distinguish the difference in sound between a big engine exotic versus a smaller racing engine or motorcycle. Searching the exits often leaves me puzzled! At this point, I have abandoned my biases with a view that my ears will not always lead me to the truth, I need more. Seeing helps, but even then, one is not sure. I am reminded of the deception which flows from the words one uses, caught, and called out by the actions which follow.
There are natural truths and rhythms which are echoed in the traffic which passes by. All types of vehicles pass through, adhering to the truths reflected in Dubai municipal rules. Inexpensive sedans, customized sports cars, small business vans, and delivery motorcycles mix and mingle at the entrance to this intersection. All stand equal. All are asked to honor the community’s rules. All are judged in the context of their actions.
When I read the psalmist’s invitation, “come, bless God, all you servants of God! You priests of God, posted to the night watch in God’s shrine,” (Psalm 134.1) I think of the important markers in life where truth is best found in action where we all stand equal before Divinity. Each an invitation to hear, see, understand, and respond.
