When I think of a spire, my mind goes to a small town in rural America and the church that dominates local faith systems. When I think of two spires, my imagination could be in a small village in Europe or any city or village in the UAE. Each view symbolises the proposition a faith system has offered to the people in the community surrounding the spire(s). Cathedrals, mosques, and churches all reach towards the heavens, metaphorically pointing to Divinity. It is a Divine broadcast that increasingly seems to grow quieter with the passing of time.
Watching some is not the same as listening to understand. This is not about blind agreement or data that one must learn by rote. It is more than just viewing this from afar. Life likes to remind me that a dialogue begins with hearing with an intent to increase one’s awareness to a point of understanding.
Understanding, for me, involves an experience. I find that as I explore, experiment, and examine my understanding, I begin to comprehend. I reflect on an author’s observation and easily see myself in the role of those before me; “Even though they watched me at work for forty years, your ancestors refused to let me do it my way; over and over they tried my patience.” (Hebrews 3.9)
Learning and growth are found in taking steps filled with my actions and words. I love making ideas a reality. When what I do links to care and kindness, it can be magical. I can feel what it means to be accepted. I can experience what it is like to belong. Respect can be given in my actions and words, yet it is so much more in the heart and soul.
The spires in my life have involved institutions, mentors, writers, and artists. Each has played a role in sharing wisdom and truth. The individuals involved were often flawed individuals. In being able to hear, understand, and then take the best of their gifts into my life, I have discovered Divinity’s Spires for my heart and soul.
