As I sat outside an Al Maryah Island restaurant on a call, the sun began to set over the city of Abu Dhabi. As the sun’s glow silently exploded behind the skyline’s silhouette, I caught myself reflecting and questioning myself. The voices within my head were loud enough to distract my attention from the call at hand. The distraction did not reflect a lack of interest in the call. It did suggest that as clear as I often think things are, within myself, questions remain.
As I start a new day with the wrestling that always comes from one’s dark night of the soul, there are certain beliefs I hold close within.
Failures never tell the full story. As easy as it is to focus on them, frequently to the exclusion of the good that one is doing, they are only part of one’s larger story. While one doubts, the old reflection of a community who lost faith, letting their doubts become primary, comes to mind. “The next question is, “Are they down for the count? Are they out of this for good?” And the answer is a clear-cut no. Ironically when they walked out, they left the door open, and the outsiders walked in. But the next thing you know, the Jews were starting to wonder if perhaps they had walked out on a good thing.” (Romans 11.11)
Failures are learning and growth opportunities. While it can be challenging, learning from one’s mistakes and shortcomings opens the door to being a better individual. Life is full of these kinds of opportunities, so I do not need to focus on making intentional mistakes. Using what one has is more than enough. As I reflect on when I learned the most, I find myself thankful for the hope living within. We can be better individuals. We can make a difference. We can be a force for good.
Looking back brings clarity as I look forward. I see Divinity at work in my life. I experience the moment with an awareness of the possible. Today is my time.
