This entry is part of a blog series, Time Capsules, in which I think about the places in our home where the blessings of our history are evident in stored artifacts. Today, I invite you to look with me at stories that adorn the walls and shelves in our home—Items perhaps similar to those looking out at you right now!
Although not literal capsules or containers, the walls and shelves throughout our home hold delightful reminders of our shared history. Each in its special location, these works of art are also elegant story-tellers.
In addition to the usual galleries of poignant family photos—each snapshot recalling a particular time and place—our walls and shelves also hold banners and posters, original paintings and drawings, certificates and awards, landscape drawings and photos, cultural artifacts from other countries, motivational sayings, sculptures, religious art, keepsakes and gifts from dear friends.
Each item has a tale to tell. The wall tapestry/rug from Afghanistan and the Polish paper cuttings recall our world-wide family connections. The Frances Hook painting of a tousled-hair Jesus invites me to be his equally down-to-earth follower. Oil and water-color paintings by college roommates, high school teachers and friends evoke those lasting relationships. Family photos bring to mind how we’ve been richly surrounded with love for all our lives. In other pictures, our parents smile out at us with their later-in-life joy. ELCA stewardship banners retell the shared efforts of our wonderful stewardship team. A faded photo of my father’s boyhood reconnects me with a heritage that goes back to the mountains of Missouri and North Carolina. A small pottery cup holds Nicaraguan friendship bracelets that once were favored mementos from the ELCA World Hunger Program.
At any turn of our heads, cherished memories on our walls and shelves flood towards Chris and me. It seems impossible that we would ever forget the many ways in which our life has been full. Story-inspired. Graced.
A continuing cause for joy in these times….
Next time: Income tax records
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