In the morning silence, I consider the flower arrangement, wondering what today will bring. Like the flower arrangement in front of me, I want to believe that there is a purpose to the day ahead. I know someone saw so much more in the vase than I see now. I am not slighting the choices made in the past and the arrangement that followed. I think the designer could see something in the moment that I struggle with today. In my imagination, my ideal response begins with life’s reality and looks beyond to the best that might be.
Others can see what I cannot see within myself. Others include Divinity, Life, family, friends, and even strangers. Two emerging threads change how I see the day ahead. First, “I did spot one ray of light in this murk: God made men and women true and upright; we’re the ones who’ve made a mess of things.” (Ecclesiastes 7.29). Second, Divinity believes that we can be more than who and what we are. She is confident. She understands that with openness, awareness, and the willingness to learn, we can be restored to our best selves. She sees and believes in the person I struggle to see within.
Life offers each an opportunity to care. In every circumstance. In each moment. Possibilities are tailored for me. When I am willing to look, I discover that I can care through my next word and action. Life is not defined by what I am trying to achieve. Life is found and experienced in the way I take my next step. The opportunity begins with what I am willing to see. When I see through the eyes of empathy, my vision changes. As I look with compassion, I am in a different space. In looking beyond myself and seeing my community, my world is filled with doorways and windows of endless possibilities.
Divinity wants to start where I am. There is no need to wait, no need to clean up. Life is lit by the hope of what I will do now.
