Climbing up a small mountain, heading for a destination and being sidetracked by an almond tree. Grab two rocks and you've got yourself an almond. Walk on, and you've got yourself the most beautiful view. Over July I have been working in Spain, the Priorat region where I lived in a small village with a Spanish family. In thirty days I absorbed the language, the unique wine and family life. It was a stunningly beautiful area full of culture which I relished.
Walking the streets of Barcelona on my own, drinking up art in the MNAC and having a Cafe con Leche beneath La Pedrera will provide perfect stories to whip out at a dinner party, or perhaps the nursing home. European chic was finally attainable! In our 20s we have three things available to us ; freedom, beauty and choice. We're at liberty to do what we want in our long holidays, albeit on a somewhat limited budget. But beauty all around us willing us to explore it; in people and places. And we have choices. Or at least the situations we encounter will force us to choose our standing in the world. What do we study? Who do we vote for? Where do we live? Living in one of the richest societies of the Western World, maybe we underestimate this final privilege of relatively unrestricted choice. What I've taken away from my time on the Continent is that we don't have to rush this. We can take a moment to enjoy an almond before rushing to the summit.
It's funny actually the constant 'race against time' attitude I've encountered recently. Someone told me that if you don't act quickly after you graduate your degree goes cold. Act now, quickly. Your freedom (how much freedom a good salary can buy) depends on it. Beauty awaits (in the style of a freshly pressed shirt fitting for the boardroom). Make that decision. It's a dog eat dog world, where the snarl of competition is followed by the dreaded crunch of the economy. Even in the most beautiful place in Spain there is a great competition between winemakers and olive oil producers. It's just that their day makes time for a siesta in it. A time to rest.
This thought has come to me once again surrounded by the basis of my Christian faith. I think Christians of all people need to be wary of this 'race against time' attitude pervading the core of the Gospel message. At the centre is a man who sat upon river shores, climbed up mountains, and travelled along roads unknown. There was time to greet women by the well. To sit among teachers. To taste food with friends. Some of the greatest things he said were born out of these moments. This past month has definitely been one of reflection; I've been scared, I've been lonely, I've been independent, I've been daring. Although most of all, I've been at peace knowing there is a call to marvel in freedom, beauty and choice. I hope that some of the nuggets I provide here can be mulled over before the sun sets. xx
