I wake up each morning in Singapore with a view looking north across Tanglin, embassy row, and on a clear day the Causeway and Malaysia. It is a view of Singapore that reflects both the new and the old. I see tall buildings that were never a part of my teenage years here. I also see lots of lots of green, tree canopies, and the Sultan of Brunei’s home when he is in town. In the first moments of the day I am able to look at Singapore in the mirror.
Mirrors create a reflective image that varies for each. We see what we see. For some, myself included, it is a filtered perspective. As intensely as I might want to see without bias, I still see myself as younger than I know I am and more perfect than I can be. It is a cup full perspective that I know is cloudy and misleading.
I look at those around me and it is easy to point out her/his weaknesses. They are so obvious; why does anyone bother to deny their existence? Even the smallest detail should be clear by now, especially if I am willing to help point to their existence.
On some mornings, the view of Malaysia is obstructed by storm clouds. Initially it bothered me. I have come to realize that my limited view opens up opportunities to notice the foreground details that I otherwise miss. In the details, the city is coming to life.
A wise writer left us a suggestion in context to a spiritual invitation. “Examine your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe.” (1 Corinthians 11.28) For me, I find that it is an invitation that I see more clearly today. We can do something with whatever we find in our lives. As great or lacking as what we see might be, it is the foundation we have to work with. Divinity loves each of us just as we are. It is in that love that we embrace the potential to be more than yesterday.
