Craft’s mural on the inside wall of the restaurant is big, bold, and brash. There is no way to ignore it. It stands, especially in the Emirates. As I let the mural draw me into the scene, I enjoyed the natural competition between the band and the establishment. Multiple characters take centre stage, dominating the scene. As I got deeper into the scene, I found a seat to take it all in.
Life is filled with opportunities to love. Everywhere I look in the scene, I find myself with opportunities to love. The lights in the house with the bicycle outside remind me that the family is at home. Each conversation is an opportunity to remind those who share food and life that they are loved. With neighbours nearby, the opportunity to contribute to a loving community is within reach. In coming together with music and food, a celebration of love is ready and waiting.
The need for kindness is everywhere one looks. Life is often far more fragile than we realise. Mistakes will be made by the band. Harmony is often in short supply at home. Communities are defined by the level of kindness shared and received. Each step is an opportunity to take the kindness one has been gifted with by Divinity and share it with others on the journey.
Caring comes to life in action. I love the movement in the mural. I find myself in the mix, unable to stay still. I look around and see the others I want to join. Following their model, I hear the calling to “Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.” (Romans 12.10). It is an amazing scene where kindness and care dominate to give each the experience of being loved.
The mural started, for me, as a loud scene with competing characters. The noise reminds me of life. As I sunk myself into the moment, I found myself in the company of a caring community, filled with kindness and love. Today is my opportunity to craft a new mural, retelling the story.
