“It’s been a very long time since I’ve been excited to purchase a material item” I told my friend Becky as we walked toward the Woodland Art Fair. This is a season where I am blessed beyond measure. All my material needs are met and I don’t seem to be desiring material wants. This certainly has not always been the case. I have lived in need and have wanted plenty.
The fair was way too crowded and the air was thick but the intoxicating aromas of food pleased my senses as we roamed from booth to booth. A certain photograph hooked my attention and drew me in for a closer look. It was titled “Morning Dock.” But the photograph location stunned me. The tag read, “Hueston Woods, OH.”
I grew up very close to this state park. The horse riding trails twisting through the woods led to the horse stable where I worked for many summers. I sat on a blanket deep in the woods with my fiancé by my side for the first time in over a month as we dreamed of our married future together.
The picture caused so many memories to flood my mind in such a short moment of time. The price quickly brought me back to reality and proved to be cost prohibitive. I kept walking only to be haunted by the thought of the picture. I went back the next day to see if it was still available and to see if the artist would consider adjusting his price. I couldn’t imagine finding it as emotionally moving this second day but the moment I saw the picture I felt strong emotion build up inside me. I swallowed hard and approached the artist who looked tired, his hair a bit messy and he smelled of alcohol. As I began to tell him about my desire to purchase I began to cry. I was completely embarrassed by my inability to control my emotions and I felt foolish in front of this stranger. With a tear stained face I purchased a more budget friendly photograph as a smaller, unframed print.
Why was I so moved by this picture? It reminded me of the sweetness of years long ago. Those days felt like hard challenging times but all I could remember were the many blessings. I’m left with the thought, what blessings of today am I missing because I’m so focused on the challenges of the day.
Copyright©2017, Gloria Stucky
Beautifully stated Thank you.
Thank you Linda!
It is amazing how a picture can trigger our memory & our emotions good & bad. I am thankful to have emotions that can be triggered & a heart that can be touched. Love you & proud of the beautiful Gloria God has blessed us with & the insight of His word that He has blessed you with. mom
Those are such sweet words mom. Thank you for commenting. I am so blessed to have you as my mother!