I turned to my right on a self-guided tour of Avignon’s Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace). The stairway was semi-lit, and clearly had potential. Yet, there was a “but”. The stairway was not on my map, there were no references to it in the notes, and the floor plan for the level above did not provide any insights or hints. Even as I considered the possibilities, I could hear whispers reminding me that unintentional action is often accompanied by a close friend, unintended consequences.
I am often reminded of stairwells without destinations. Frequently, others define them for me, telling me that they will lead to something bigger and better. There is a strong link between uninformed, dare I say to myself ignorant, action and unintentional consequences. While living out the day with perfect clarity and intent is rare, it is in reaching for the values and priorities closest to my heart that I discover the joy of living life to the maximum.
The whispers go on to remind me of the importance of meditation and planning. When I ground the start of my day with Divinity, intent and results are linked to what follows. I know there will be multiple learning opportunities. With a gentle and forgiving smile, it is good to discover these within the reality of being a child who often does less than his best.
Planning involves more than milestones and results. In the steps I take are ways to experience the meaning of my heart’s values. There is no point is wearing facades of ritual or fashion. I find them to be distracting and helpful. In my realisation, I understand Paul’s warning across the centuries; “Circumcision, the surgical ritual that marks you as a Jew, is great if you live in accord with God’s law. But if you don’t, it’s worse than not being circumcised.” (Romans 2.25)
In Avignon, I looked at the stairwell and turned right, heading up. My goal was the landing and the view from there. Intentional steps into the unknown can also be steps of faith and hope.
