abandoned

While we were enjoying some R & R at Alpine Lake, West Virginia a couple of weeks ago we came upon this abandoned house.  We passed it often as we worked our way to the trail head and each time we stopped to consider it.  There is something really sad about an abandoned house. While I studied this cabin I was bereft to see that the life had drained from its timbers..  It was no longer a home but a house, a structure of wood, stone and metal, that was quickly deteriorating; a vestige of what once was. Where it once housed hopes and dreams, love and family; faith and life; fun and laughter.... it was now a shell of these things.

We noticed the "keep out" sign and wondered about its fate; was it going to be restored or torn down?  Had someone else bought it with plans of bringing it back to life; perhaps a family  member who spent time in that cabin as a child and remembers the fun time they had on the lake? Or would they tear it down and start fresh, wiping out the history that is locked in its walls.

I'm sure I have better things to think about but old abandoned things like this capture my attention and my imagination.  Whether it's a house or a tractor abandoned and left to rust in the field...they have a story to tell and I like to ponder what those stories might be.

Not only do I think about their possible stories but I feel the sadness of their abandonment.  I have never been abandoned but I feel the deep sorrow of people and things that have.  The heartbreak of a wife who has been abandoned by her husband, the elderly person in a nursing home who spends their days hoping for a visit from family,  a dog on the side of the road abandoned because of an owner's irresponsibility, to name a few.  I can imagine their heartache, their question of why, their self accusations, when all the while it is not their fault.

Honestly, there is so much to say about abandonment...and all of it seems negative.  I have typed and deleted and typed and deleted because I don't want to keep adding depressing stuff.  I merely want to give you something to think about.  So, rather than continuing, I am going to add one more thing...a question (s); Is there anything you have abandoned in your life?  A friendship? a family relationship?  Your faith? Your hopes and dreams? Your self esteem? Your search for a better job? Your education? Your marriage?  Perhaps none of these things resonate but something else has been ringing in your ears since you started reading this post.  Whatever it is, it isn't to late to stop and reconnect.

 ^"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor (abandon) forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Till Next Time

~willa~