I stood on a corner of Dubai’s City Walk main intersection, wondering if I should turn left or go straight. It was a fun moment of quietness, relaxed, and with everything yet to be decided. As I looked across the space, I reflected on my role in the pivotal moments of my journey. There is a lot of room for improvement. I took on roles that were outside of my mandate and abilities. I sidestepped opportunities to take a stand for people and values I held closest to my heart. In hindsight, my caring to make a difference could have been more effective.
My calling and abilities have limits. Knowing this opens doors to collaboration and partnership. Looking forward, I have a mandate with edges. I am not called to solve the world’s problems. I am called to make a difference in the lives of my communities. I can do many things, yet not all things. Looking forward, I see allies and fellow travellers willing to work harmoniously with me. We do not have to agree on everything. We simply need to care for the right reasons.
Challenging tasks are usually the responsibility of the ones who can take them on. Experience reminds me that others, even Divinity, can take on the big stuff. As I look across the intersection, I see controls, guiding lights, and more that are the responsibility of others. I think of the gods in the Hindu temple promising to take revenge for me. I listen to biblical writers remind me as well; “This is no light matter. God has warned us that he’ll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: ‘Vengeance is mine, and I won’t overlook a thing,’ and ‘God will judge his people.’” (Hebrews 10.30)
My responsibility and calling is to respond. Waiting for the green signal to walk, I rest in Divinity’s embrace. I know I am accepted as I am. I also know I am called to be a force for compassion, kindness, and care. I stand ready; now is my time.
