One memory of my father pops up occasionally. My father believed I enjoyed a particular fruit. My reality is that I have never, ever, not even once, enjoyed the fruit in any form or variation. It is rare that there is a fruit I truly dislike. This is the only one. Durian is ok, especially when it is the premium variety. Fruits bring memories and desires, except for the Indian fruit, which some assume is a kiwi.
Finding them triggered memories of Dad seeing the fruit, excitedly telling me he had scored my favourite, and then revealing a bag of chickoos. I found the sequence humorous with the reality that I still do not like, enjoy, or want to taste the fruit again. Simply put, this fruit does not work for me. For those who enjoy it, please have an extra one on my behalf.
This morning, I realized that many things from the past did not work for me. I was not alone. Many abandoned the idea that Divinity was a positive contributor to life. I looked at my reaction in contrast to my wisdom teachers and began exploring my view of Divinity. I discovered a love for Divinity that works in my life. Lesson reminders include the following.
Life is bigger than I am. The story, the narrative, and the value are found in myself and others in a larger narrative that goes beyond any individual. My journey unfolds in relationships and communities. People and the words and actions between them are important. Intent, personal and shared matters.
Each path is one’s own. I am not sure I ever understood how things worked for others. When life became real, I followed a story told before my day; “The former way of doing things, a system of commandments that never worked out the way it was supposed to, was set aside;” (Hebrews 7.18). In its place, a standard of caring and kindness stood tall. Compassion became a starting point, forgiveness integral, and accountability tangible.
Divinity is more than commands. Divinity is love, acceptance, and care.
