Greetings from our new TSJ headquarters!
Yes, we (“the Boys,” Lovey the lamb and I) are more settled in than last week. I am definitely able to find many more things even if I do circle the room a couple of times.
The next big unpacking projects are my books- about 15 boxes of them! I look at the boxes and ponder in awe of the hours and hours of people’s research, self-discipline, courage, and knowledge they represent.
On the one hand a book is an object. On the other it represents so much more to the reader. I am excited to get them out and use them again.
Speaking of “objects,” while moving I have noticed several that have generated various thoughts and emotions. And I have decided to share them with you in my blogs. They might be thought of as “object lessons” of sorts. They point to ideas, concepts and experiences that are beyond the object itself.
The Bench
Most of you faithful TSJ friends already know the story of why I am here in this particular spot on earth. But since this object has many layers of importance to me I thought it a good place to begin a series of stories about objects.
What are some objects (things) in your life that have special significance or meaning?
Perhaps, like the bench for me, they are not just any object to you!
So what about the bench?
Well, this is Tom’s bench. It is grandpa’s bench to our grandkids. It is Uncle Tom’s bench to nieces and nephews. It is a Boy Scout’s bench. An Eagle Scout project. It is a lover’s bench.
It is where Tom and I sat on his last long walk on the bird sanctuary trail.
It is a place to stop… rest… reflect… and listen. These are all difficult for us to do in our busy world. And Tom and I used the bench for this purpose several times.
On the bench you can listen to birds or the frogs in the pond. Or to the one with you, or the One who Created you…or to your heart. It sits in the sun (when we have sun around here) much of the day and faces south/west.
The bench provides what one might call “sabbath moments.”
The bench also represents the work, self-discipline, ideas and skills of a youth. It represents service. I am grateful for that young scout whomever he may be. He made a significant contribution to my earth journey. And many people (like me) can and do find rest for body and soul if they sit and listen there. It is a reminder that what we do matters.
It is the bench of hopes, of love embraced and dreams softly spoken in the air. It is where Tom shared his heart and wishes for our future.
On our last bench sitting and talking, Tom had his portable oxygen tank and that is significant for me. When he first started his cancer journey I remember a dread when we visited oncology clinics as so many patients had oxygen tanks. My feelings completely changed when he got his. Rather than an object to be dreaded it became an object to be grateful for. It was life sustaining as it made it possible for him to go for short walks. So on our last walk there he sat worn out but could still receive necessary oxygen to be able to walk back to the car.
Weeks later, when I followed Tom’s expressed wishes for me to build a small one- level home, this piece of land captured our shared dreams. And being here means I feel right at home with Tom’s spirit hugging my heart.
Now, a new bench has come into my home. It is not the bench of course. It is seemingly totally unrelated. Yet mysteriously, not. Built by an older scout who wanted to provide a house warming gift, the new bench has a different purpose. It is a hall bench so people can sit to remove boots and shoes. However, it is kind of a punctuation mark of the dream envisioned on the bench with Tom that has come true in this home.
Perhaps both are benchmarks of some kind.
The bench spills out a story of love, sadness and hope, whereas the hall bench calls out a welcome to visitors. A sort of arrow toward the bench that is in full view from my bedroom window each morning where I have my “sip it and zip it” time with God.
You see, an object is often more than an object. Ask any kid or adult with stuffed animals! Solomon nudged me to say that!
No, it is not only a bench. It represents so much more. Obviously for me it is a source of comfort, a place of memory, and a welcoming of God’s love in a sacred place.
On that day late last spring with the builder, our dear friends, and my realtor when I stood on that land and wept, “This is my land!” as I saw the bench straight ahead – my life changed forever. They shared that heart stopping moment with me and said, “Let’s make your dream come true.”
And with theirs and many others’ help, it did.
Indeed, it has been a shared journey.
You know many of the ups and downs of the story so it is with great joy I say thank you and add the old cliche, “Dreams really do come true.”
Margie
