I turned my head from the rooftop and saw a pattern of lights. I could see five days of labour and two of rest. My imagination spun in several directions, creating metaphors, insights, and new awareness on a warm evening in Abu Dhabi. I looked across the inlet towards the port, seeing, imagining, and reflecting. I shared the picture with a friend and received a bored shrug of the shoulders. It was clear that my lessons were not his.
Life is a series of unique opportunities. Your story is all your own, as is mine. Your lessons are meant for you, not for me. I love hearing the stories of others because each enriches my life. I will never experience what another has gone through. It is in sharing and understanding each other that we find our opportunities to walk together and support each other. Those closest to my heart have walked with me for more seasons than I can remember. Along the way, they have shared in building the trust we share. With their support, I can reach higher and farther than I ever imagined.
Life’s insights are found in the moment. When one ignores them, they often vanish, lost in the form of that time and place. One might realise they were there after the fact, yet “I turned my head and saw yet another wisp of smoke on its way to nothingness:” (Ecclesiastes 4.7). Whatever our response might be, Divinity will never give up on us. With our freedom of choice, we may metaphorically shrug our shoulders in response to Divinity’s words, actions, and gift. Divinity’s commitment to us remains intact despite the tear our response triggers.
The night’s darkness has given way to a new dawn and a series of opportunities. I am committed to using the insights and lessons that followed. This begins with the first cadence in my day: taking care of my mind, heart, and soul. I find myself energised and hopeful in the following quietness and peace. Through the obstacles and barriers ahead, I see Divinity’s guiding light.
