CLOUDS AND HANGERS

In my little slice of the world there is a former military base that has been closed for several years. It was a victim of cutbacks that are not usual with government budgets. But even though it now merely a deserted property, the concrete shells of its glory remain. Among those are included a couple of incredibly huge hangers. Even from a distance that appear so massive.

I have had reason to drive by that location on numerous occasions and often been inspired by the sadness of seeing such a sight that once had life and purpose now sit void of either. How often it seems in life that there are too many reminders the labors of many that no longer have value. It is subtle message of the fleeting worth of what ours produce. No matter how great or small the person, in time we all pass into the dust of history and maybe if we are lucky we leave behind a trace someone will remember.

Clouds often fascinate me. They can be so creative in form, even resembling something familiar. They can bring a storm or simply adorn the sky with their majesty. We seldom can remember them though once they are gone. But in realty does the absence present a worse fate that some abandoned concrete edifice waiting for demolition?

I guess my point to all of this is that in so many ways, whether we are talking about hangers or clouds, permanence is not the option. Eventually they will all be consumed, just as all things in life.

Yet do we always remember this? Do we relish in that, which has any eternal worth more than those things of substance in this life? It is easy to take the spiritual path in terms of response, but I can’t help wondering if in our hearts it is truly what we believe.

I’m not trying to pass judgment on others. Merely passing on a reflection about the aspect of life that is so easy to forget.

I enjoy being able to savor the visual edifications, both of nature and of man that often linger in our world. But they are not god. They may give some joy, but they can’t save.

Yet I do appreciate how often those things are most often inclined to dominate our thoughts that eternity. It may be a familiar message, but it doesn’t hurt to stop and remind ourselves that this isn’t reality that last forever. Whether made by wind or sweat, it is, but a heartbeat’s view.

Tomorrow will be a sunset for the heart in due season. But till then, today remains a horizon with two paths. One certain, one unsure. We choose, which we will follow. I pray our steps come with the wisdom to see more than what our eyes behold along the way.

And along the way perhaps be able to enjoy all the clouds and hangers we see. Without needing to see them as life itself.