The shed usually lives tucked away. In the corner of a backyard. Hidden from the public eye. Far from the focal point of a homestead.
With the passing of time, the shed may be neglected or abandoned. A forgotten asylum of odds and ends that rarely see the light of day. Tools and equipment in hibernation, wondering if they are past their prime. At some point they saw glory. But now lay dormant. Collecting dust mites. Surrounded by the odd smell of musty air.
Yet, the shed most often resembles natural life. Much more so than a home safeguarded by electricity, pest control, and all-purpose cleaner. For even though the shed was built for human utility, creatures emerge and find shelter within its walls. The interior climate of the shed reflects life beyond its confines. The simplistic structure mirrors innocence and purity – a world less affected by pervasive cultural forces. Yet, profoundly impacted by the haphazard denial of its owner.
Life transition will force the owner to finally encounter the shed. Stirring up memories of a time when each paint brush had life. Or the ol’ wood saw dug its teeth into the dead branches of a tree. Or trowel last dug into the fresh earth.
When the shed is opened, the reality of life within becomes clear. Shade and meticulous cobwebs. The occasional carcass of a once-hopeful rodent searching for nourishment within this sanctuary.
And the reflective among us will know the beauty of this sacred space. And vow, once again, not to forsake what is within. For the tools and equipment will find a way into the next backyard. And settle into the next shed. Once again reflecting life undiscovered. Amen.
With the passing of time, the shed may be neglected or abandoned. A forgotten asylum of odds and ends that rarely see the light of day. Tools and equipment in hibernation, wondering if they are past their prime. At some point they saw glory. But now lay dormant. Collecting dust mites. Surrounded by the odd smell of musty air.
Yet, the shed most often resembles natural life. Much more so than a home safeguarded by electricity, pest control, and all-purpose cleaner. For even though the shed was built for human utility, creatures emerge and find shelter within its walls. The interior climate of the shed reflects life beyond its confines. The simplistic structure mirrors innocence and purity – a world less affected by pervasive cultural forces. Yet, profoundly impacted by the haphazard denial of its owner.
Life transition will force the owner to finally encounter the shed. Stirring up memories of a time when each paint brush had life. Or the ol’ wood saw dug its teeth into the dead branches of a tree. Or trowel last dug into the fresh earth.
When the shed is opened, the reality of life within becomes clear. Shade and meticulous cobwebs. The occasional carcass of a once-hopeful rodent searching for nourishment within this sanctuary.
And the reflective among us will know the beauty of this sacred space. And vow, once again, not to forsake what is within. For the tools and equipment will find a way into the next backyard. And settle into the next shed. Once again reflecting life undiscovered. Amen.