I fully intended to catch some sleep. The 4 am wake-up call had gotten to me. AS I went through my evening routine, I double check to make sure the blackberry and iPhones were quiet. The only phone that stays on is the mobile the girls in my life know how to reach me on. For reasons unknown, I put the blackberry on vibrate instead of silent.
The stillness of the room was perfect. I could see the lights from Taipei’s Tower 101 dancing on the glass. The feather pillow fit perfectly under my neck. Everything was unfolding to plan. Even as the phone’s vibrating body did a jig on the desk, I knew I needed to respond. I could not explain the urgency.
Life has a way of reaching out and giving us a heads-up that we need to be present and available. When a decision was on the verge of being taken, the warning wrapped everything in urgency. “Right now there are more than forty men lying in ambush for him. They’ve all taken a vow to neither eat nor drink until they’ve killed him. The ambush is set—all they’re waiting for is for you to send him over.” (Acts 23.21) Being aware and present gave birth to an opportunity to take action.
Last night, I responded. It was a simple email. It did not require much thought. As soon I had written the note, I could feel a peaceful tiredness taking me to where I wanted to be.
Life pulls us in all kinds of directions. It is easy to lose track of one’s position, only to discover that you have lost sight of your important pillars. The process is pivot on where we spend our time. Being present is crucial. Being aware is essential. Listening, opening one’s heart and mind to possibilities is one of our safeguards.
Today’s dawn is gray and wet. It is a day to sit by the fire and let the world go by. Whatever choice made make, we can remain present in the moments we have.
