Opportunities

It is hard to know, appreciate, and understand how far something extends.  Do parents realize they have a “smell” their children will recognize for life?  If there was a good relationship the smell will trigger fond memories, nostalgia, and a sense of longing for what was.  On the other hand, bad memories just don’t seem to go away.  Is it clear how many people you have touched over the years and why?  This isn’t just the domain of those who have lived for decades, people of all ages touch those around them in ways they rarely understand or appreciate.  Even something as simple as taking care of life’s basic demands isn’t.  Everything links, touches, and reflects the other.
 
At times I remember someone’s scent.  When it hits I find myself transported to a time and place I never thought I would experience again.  I wonder if the person involved had any idea of lasting the connection would be.  Maybe my dad remembers.  I know my childhood friends do not.  It is as if the link and association I have with my memories was random and accidental in their birth.
 
When I combine the unpredictable nature of it all with a lack of intent things come up chaos.  Some tell me that this is how I live my life.  I think that has been true to a large degree but I wonder if it needs to continue.  Can I choose?  Are memories available to those who are intentional in their actions?  Will my response make a difference?
 
Yes, yes, and yes!
 
The simple answer hides the challenge of living beyond our impulse.  We have the opportunity to intentionally participate in experience live with Divinity.  The choice was clearly given by Jesus to Peter when he offered to wash his feet.  The exchange which followed applies to you and I today.
 
“‘You're not going to wash my feet—ever!’
 
Jesus said, ‘If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing.’”  (John 13.8) 
 
Divinity continues to offers opportunities.  Grab it, never let go and live.