A friend and I were testing our comfort levels with our first extended trip since the pandemic began. We talked through the risks; how we would stay observant; and ways we would check in and stay vigilant. We wondered what our reactions would be when encountering people who might not be physically distancing or wearing masks. Vaccinations and masks were required on this trip, but was that enough to keep us safe?
Stepping out on this first trip seemed so surreal compared to the months of limited encounters and the ever-changing landscape of what was known and unknown about this virus. The familiarity of previous trips and pre-planning mixed with the unfamiliarity of exposing ourselves to the unexplored was unsettling at first, but it was nice to have a trusted friend to walk through this situation.
Isn't that actually what life is: walking with trusted companions on this journey?
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| When in darkness, do you see any light? (Photo: lighted barriers shining on water, San Diego Bay) |
This reflection followed me throughout the 10 days we were away: the swirl of familiar and unfamiliar, the explored and unexplored, the known and the unknown. I wondered... when in my life had I settled for the comfort of having The Answer, always knowing what was Right, and listening only for what I Want to Hear?
When we returned home from this journey, a magnificent storm welcomed us: thunder and lightning and moments of heavy rainfall. Power beyond imagination flashed through the sky, followed by the loud acclamation of Nearness and much-needed rain to quench a drought-stricken landscape.
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| Before the next storm, where is your focus? (Photo: sunset before thunder storm, San Diego) |
Is Normal the goal we really want to reach -- such that we can no longer see other possibilities in our darkest moments? Is that the question we must consider at this uncertain time in our lives? Rather than only seeing and feeling the darkness of this pandemic -- focusing on the familiar we have lost; arguing over masks and vaccines; defining our opinions through lenses of freedom and control -- what would it be like to have a trusted friend to talk about the darkness and challenge us to see the light hidden in any moment?
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| As a new day dawns, does the light touch you? (Photo: San Diego sunrise) |
Waking up early one morning, we experienced a beautifully, clear sunrise across the entrance to the San Diego Bay. The early morning light extended a reflected arm out to us, embracing us with beauty, and shining on the anchored boats in the outer harbor. The outstretched beacon touched each of the ships individually and in their own time.
That is the way it is with us as well:
- Am I willing today to be in dialogue with another person?
- Can I share the darkness of my fears, concerns, and unknown answers?
- Is there a way -- together -- to walk and explore the uncharted or unanchored regions of our lives?
- Can we release the normal and be able to see new light and possibilities... answers that emerge from our shared journey together?
May the light of relationships disrupt the darkness of isolation. May loud peals awaken us to the energy of change. May we be blessed with friends who understand the dry times in our lives... drenching us with trusted waters of understanding and safety.
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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