Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was quietly resolute in the late afternoon sun. As the sun began to run low, the shadows began to lengthen and dominate the marble courtyard. As I stood in the overwhelming humid air, the stillness, peace, and openness of the scene dominated every part of my being.
Life loves to talk when one is still. When the stillness includes the heart, mind, soul, and body, it is an awesome opportunity for sacred dialogue. My role, and I knew it with certainty, was to listen and in listening begin to understand.
A silhouette works when two objects come together in harmony. Bright sun will blind and dominate one vision unless it is experienced by itself. When combined with an individual or structure, the potential for beauty and wonder exists. The relationship I witnessed reminded me of how I could be seen by others when “the sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.” (Romans 4.25)
Silhouettes reflect a time and place. Once the sun settled below the horizon the silhouette was gone. As fleeting as the scene was, it is in the choice one has in any given moment that one finds the time and place to connect with Divinity. When we do, compassion, care, and community. Follow. When the moment is lost, there is a void in which one’s thirst remains unquenched.
Silhouettes are multi-dimensional. One side embraces the light and absorbs all it gives. On the other side, the silhouette gives others the opportunity to experience the light safely.
In the stillness of the scene, I found myself hearing a call to experience the light and create a safe space for others to do the same. I know things will get hot, but embracing and gifting is an invitation to living fully and completely in the day ahead. This opportunity is a decision that must be made. It shapes the way I see myself and which path I take. In walking towards the light, I have an opportunity to be a silhouette for others along the way.
