PHOTO PRAYER 2024-06.
They are mute; seemingly inert; senseless. Even so, I should care for things a lot more than I do.
They deserve to be respected and honored even when their usefulness has ended. I am not as thoughtless as once I was. Now I hold a pencil stub or a pair of worn-out gloves and am nearly moved to tears, realizing how faithfully and without complaint these things have served my ends. Silly me, I would honor the town landfill as a sacred place. I would regularly pay homage to every thing that has served its purpose. I would build a chapel next to the dump and say unceasing prayers for the used and discarded. Want to join me?
Click here to read the essay “Abandoned Possessions”.
Photo of a homeless person’s abandoned possessions. Photo and text copyright 2024 by Danny Nelson Schweers.
COMMENTS
These comments warm this author’s heart. It is good to have readers!
John
Thoughts to reflect on. Are we reminded by our own finiteness, and want to hold on to “things” as long as we can.
James
Fun Dumpster Diving to be had, Danny!
Dave
I like this thought – about taking care of and for our things as a way of gratitude – and about the ways things speak about their owners.
Susan
We used to drive to the dump with our kids. We would drive up to the top of the mountain and look down. What a view! Even if it stunk. Thx for being you.
Craig
Good one Danny….
I try to join you, in this, everyday…..
I look at something, anything, and it overflows with such … Suchness.
Things in themselves, unique things, the personality of rocks….
You know then that it is not the reason
That makes us happy or unhappy.
The bird sings. Its feathers shine…
Everywhere, singing birds, shining feathers…….
Subscribe to these as they are created. Click here to learn more.