City, what have you to do with me? And I you?

Dallas from the top of the Renaissance Hotel

I was reading some advice on a writer's website not long ago and one of her tips was "Pay Attention". She was talking about paying attention to everything. Truly taking in the moment - valuing even the smallest things. I totally agree with that. There are many moments of my life that I draw on when trying to explain something. I wish I could say I remembered everything about my life. I don't of course, and I've not been much of a journaler although I have written some things down. My daughter swears I don't remember her childhood. It's really just that I remember different things than what she does.

But anyway, I DO agree with that statement "Pay Attention". This is very important on your journey because journeys usually take years to complete and what happened six or eight or fifteen or fifty years ago really does have bearing on today. A memory of something from many years ago can bring sense and understanding to where you are today.

I had such a moment Thursday afternoon that I will hold on to. I know the answer will only come down the road and will probably be an unfolding process of understanding.

I worked a couple of nights at a seminar that was held at the Renaissance Hotel. This building is 32 stories high, near but outside the main downtown area with a roof that is accessible to the public - the swimming pool is on top. I didn't know that it was accessible to non-guests but the first night I got into conversation with a young front desk manager named Jeff. He mentioned the roof and I mentioned photography. Thereafter he was politely insistent that I make it up to the roof. I didn't go that night but I told him I would have my camera next day and come early. He went up with me and yes it is a wonderful view. (Staci!!!) I got several pics and if the computer cooperates they'll be on my Flikr website http://www.flickr.com/photos/aladywithacamera/.

So I was busying myself with getting pics but I did stop for a few minutes to just look. And out of my inner self came the question "Dallas, what have you to do with me?... and what have I to do with you?" It was a MOMENT and I knew it.

See, in all my life living in the big city was never of much importance to me. I was content with a small world. City is nice but the BIG city was never necessary. But now it seems very necessary to me and I want to know why. I also know that coming to that why will be a journey in itself.

I want to know this city - I think of it as my city already. I want to know the different buildings like someone in the mountains would know the names and history of each mountain. I want to be able to point them out and feel kinship with them in that same way. I was actually saying a little of this to Jeff as I explained a little about our moving here and that to get to know the buildings was a way to get to know the city. He seemed very interested in what I was saying. I daresay he thought I was a little strange also. He also walked back up there with me that night so I could see the lights. (I think he wanted to see it also.) I took a couple of pics but knew I would have to have my tripod for a really good picture.

So pay attention to your own life and all that happens therein. In God's economy everything matters and nothing is wasted.