Richard and I stood at another glass-enclosed kiosk and studied the enlarged map of the old city. We consulted and photographed such maps frequently during our recent 6-week/10 countries trip in Europe. We loved the confidence and security experienced when we found the red circle indicating, “You Are HERE.”
One particular time Richard, trying to get his bearings, leaned into the map and asked me, “Are we where we are?”
The question struck me as hilarious, and I noted it as the most quotable quote of the trip.
The comment actually brought great clarity to the moment and to our lives. We weren’t just standing at a red dot; we were where we were. Not where we’d been and not yet where we were going!
As leading-edge Boomers in our early 60’s, we can look back at lives full of rich experiences; we’ve been many places and done lots of things. Not at all sure what lies ahead, we periodically experience anxiety (or sheer panic) when we consider what aging might bring.
But, as the red dot and Richard’s comment remind us, we are indeed, where we are! We are part of a generation that has been blessed with wealth, education, experience, skills, gifts, and passion. We are at a time in history like never before and God has a purpose for each one of us – and for our generation.
We are where we are –for such a time as this! Let’s live, love and serve abundantly and lavishly right where we are. Let’s not waste the gift of the red dot.
by Leona Bergstrom, Director, Re-Ignite
