Maybe Dividing Lines Are More Invitation Than Clarity

Yesterday, I stood at the ocean's edge looking into the distance. From there I could see the exact point where the ocean meets the sky.

But is that what I really saw?

From where I stood, the sea and sky seemed to have a clear dividing line. But if I were to draw closer to that line, I'd discover there wasn't a line there at all. I would discover that where the ocean meets the sky is full of far more mystery than clarity.

I wonder, do we too often look at each other that way? From a distance. And see lines that aren't really there. And if we were to draw closer to one another, would we discover that many of the lines that divide us are filled with more mystery than clarity?

Is skin color a line?

Religion?

Politics?

Gender?

Age?

Do we see lines as truths that are really invitations into curiosity? Isn't the quickest way to avoid getting to know someone assuming we already know everything there is to know about them? Until one day we are standing only with the people who stand in our line.

The picture of the line in the distance separating ocean and sky is a magnificent picture.

But what if there is greater beauty to be found walking toward that line. Embracing the mysteries and discoveries along the way. Until we reach the place of knowing there was never really a line there at all.

Only an invitation.

To abandon all knowing for the possibility of knowing more deeply.