The Choice

In a short time, Tent City will be no more.

We are on a precipice, looking out into the unknown. Transition is scary, and it's a tremendous challenge. These past few weeks have called many, many things into question. 

And there is always the choice to say, this is too much for me. I've done all I can do.

In theory, I could listen to the naysayers who tell me I'm wasting my time. I am a being of free will. I could walk away right now, and I would be okay.

I would need some time to regroup and recalibrate, but in the long run, I would find my place once again, just like I did when I came to camp that autumn day.

And if I decide to move on, these are the things upon which I would reflect.

First off, in these past six months, I have learned a great deal about what it means to love unconditionally. Not loving because we expect to receive anything in return, but because in keeping an open heart and giving love freely, we are transformed.

Through my experience with Tent City, I’ve become a more balanced person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Because in order to make room for the things that were important to me, I had to learn how to be flexible and at the same time, not burn myself out.

And the payoff has been tremendous. I am thankful for the chance to grow in patience, strength, self-control, and the knowledge that I was able to use my gifts for the greater good. I gained the ability to just listen and exist within each perfect moment, having complete faith that everything would work itself out in the end.

In showing others that they had self-worth and dignity, I reconnected with my own. And as a result, I love the people in my life – my children, my mom and other family members, and my friends – more deeply.

I don’t always make good choices, but I am learning to be better at dealing with the consequences and making amends where necessary.

I’ve learned how to really meet people wherever they’re at, learn to speak the language of their respective hearts, and discovered that everyone has a story to tell and gifts to share in this world.

And yes, I’m learning how to tell the wildflowers from the weeds.

As for me, I am still (and will always be) a work in progress, but I am at complete peace knowing that I am exactly where I need to be, and all things are unfolding as they should.

I discovered just how alike we really are, no matter how different – because the light of the Divine lives inside every human being on this planet. 

Giving love for love’s sake is never a mistake. If someone is not ready or willing to receive it, that is on them. You are free at any moment to walk away without blame or bitterness, knowing you did what you could.

So if indeed I am mistaken in giving my all to something that may or may not have a future, I accept that. 

Because, just as 1 Corinthians 13:8 reminds us, love never fails. What you put out in life always, always comes back to you in some form, and in abundance.

Every day, when I wake up, I am free to choose.

And today, I choose love.