by Vanessa Smith

A question Hamlet contemplates on life and death. Shakespeare has Hamlet question whether it is better to live and endure life’s suffering or to end it (in death). This must be one of the most famous passages in English literature – still widely quoted and mis-quoted today.

This past weekend proved to be one that tested my ability to re-adjust my sails and navigate the sea of life (and mixed emotions) once again. My younger daughter arrived home after several months away in the Karoo. My elder daughter left to begin her teaching career at a school 40km outside of town. Should we have encountered a gang of thieves this past weekend I would not have noticed – as my home appeared to have been ransacked by Alibaba and the Forty thieves (in keeping with the theatrical references 😊).

I found myself wondering where time goes, how one season gives way to the next and how I never know whether I am fully prepared for the season I am about to enter.

Life is filled with change, challenges, trials and joy. Perhaps Shakespeare could have assisted Hamlet to view life through the eyes of faith. With faith Hamlet would have realized that life itself is a gift from God.

If I turn once again to the seasons in nature – it is clear to me that each season requires something different. In some seasons the plants bloom, in others they require pruning. In one season we may experience drought, and in another plentiful rain. We experience challenges – the fires of life may rage and destroy the gardens around us. It is often after such destruction that we see the most growth – the re-appearance of new life in a fire ravaged landscape.

Every moment, every season, presents us with the opportunity to grow, learn and express gratitude. Every season in life helps us to grow – in kindness, patience, understanding of others/ourselves and in resilience.

Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans”. This verse reminds us to align our actions with God’s guidance to see His vision.

So how do we see His vision? I think I would lose count as to how many times I have asked this question of God – often in sheer frustration and anger at the bleak place in which I found myself.

There is a way in which I came to understand how God wanted me to change my view. So, bear with me here –

1. Hold up your hand in front of your face – fingers closed. What do you see?

Your hand? (Duh).

2. Keep your hand held up in front of your face and now slowly open your fingers – open your hand. Now what do you see? You should be seeing through your fingers – as well as seeing your fingers – but seeing beyond the hand in front of your face.

The point of this? God helps us – through others and through Him – to see through what appears to be the only visible thing in front of us – to see what is emerging beyond what is visible in front of us. God wants us to be a part of His creation – to grow, to evolve and to BECOME! We see this only through the lens of God’s love for us.

God promises us that we are never alone and that He alone can turn our trials into triumphs.

Isiah 43:19 reminds us that God can create new opportunities and paths even in challenging times “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

My take on Gods message? As one of God’s creations – I am constantly BECOMING – I am constantly BEING changed; BEING pruned; BEING watered – ever-evolving and ever growing.

Were Shakespeare to have introduced Hamlet to God – Hamlet would have realized that the question was not “to be or not to be” – he was BEING, he was BECOMING – ever evolving in God’s love. He would continue to BE, even after death.

When I walk into my home tonight, I will however continue to hold my hand over my eyes and peep through my fingers – in the hope that I find a square space of floor on which to walk. I will remind myself that my family is BEING and BECOMING – with thanks to our Father God.

Be kind to one another.
Vanessa

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