As I considered the tagged wall, listening in my mind to a friend who is no longer with me, I know he would have revealed some of the messages revealed and hidden at the same time. I know each artist was expressing a view. Some were relatively quiet. Others, very bold and emotional. In my reflection, I could hear the tags’ noisy voices. Each was challenging the other. Each wanted to trump, to be the first and in the end, the final statement.
Silently, I wished there was a loving adult in the room. I imagine where she would start; “Forget about deciding what’s right for each other. Here’s what you need to be concerned about that you don’t get in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is.” (Romans 14.13). I think she had already spoken even as most were listening to someone else. The tag in yellow and a small round sticker seemed to have heard, so maybe there is hope.
In the echo of my wish, I found myself being taken to school.
Listening is one of the kindest gifts I can give to another. As I listen to understand, I begin to create a space of safety and trust. When I honour this by going deeper with empathy and compassion, I always find myself on a Divine journey. It is an invitation to experience the heart of kindness. Experience reminds me of the wonder and awe that comes with time in this space.
Creating space for the other is a gift to myself as well as to the others involved. It is in giving others the space that I long for, that I find myself embraced. Space given is an act of acceptance and community. It is an amazing decision to care that is felt by everyone involved.
I long to be accepted, to belong, and to know each is unconditional. The tags reminded me that when I reach out to others through listening, creating space, and in the end, caring, I am in a loving embrace.
