The sign of the
Friend of God is that he has these three qualities: a generosity like that of the ocean,
a compassion like that of the sun,
and a humility like that of the earth. -Bayazid in 'Attar, "Tadhkirat"
A generosity like that
of the ocean.
Generosity, giving: beyond
a willing spirit, a force to be reckoned with.
Every person who's ever
waded into the surf knows the generosity of the ocean.
You've felt it surround and lift you, and it never even
asked your name.
The Ocean, a surface we
can see clearly and depths we cannot totally know.
What would it mean to
have a generosity like that of the ocean? Water, fluid
and adapting - surrounding, encompassing, embracing
everything it encounters? Ask any geologist, any engineer,
any contractor - they'll tell you water is one of the
Earth's irresistible forces.
Water is relentless. It
continues upon its path undeterred by obstacles. Water
flows regardless. Water surrounds, seeps in, lifts what
floats and covers what sinks. Water is a great equalizer.
A great evaluator.
If the Friend of God has
generosity like that of the ocean, actions are apparent
as the waves, yet motivation lies deep, even silent.
A current extends to all - to all the same opportunity.
It's the same current
that brings driftwood to the shore, yet leaves rocks
and waste at the bottom.
Like the tides, this current
may ebb and flow, and may appear to favor one beach
this moment and that pool the next - yet as water flows,
as each new pool or eddy appears, each is filled to
its immediate need. That's the nature of the ocean.
Never, yet always, the same.
Always extending the opportunity,
always surrounding without judgement.
Always allowing the opportunity
to rise and float, if that's what you're made of.
Generosity like that of
the ocean. A sign of the Friend of God.
