This past week I was on my way down Rt. 14 and I noticed a large building that once housed our Walmart was gone. It had been there for years empty and I personally hoped it would fill up again. Earlier in the week on the way to Geneva, I noticed a office building gone that stood on a corner. It was there one week earlier.
As I watch our community grow, I also see things disappearing in the name of progress. Property is leveled to make room for roads, new businesses, or housing. I recalled my trips to Europe where buildings are hundreds of years old. I was able to compare ideas, stories, and photos with others who also went to those sites. History came alive from the textbooks I studied. It made me feel complete. Will our children or future generations ever feel that?
I have been in my office condo for over 10 years now and love its location in town. The building had a foundation that I watched being poured. I have the memories of them building my plans into the building before other neighbors arrived. I am so glad I took lots of pictures.
Translate this into “people” and it is wonderful to have strong roots. Roots that are filled with wholesome values, great memories, and stable morals. The consistency of parents that look after us, feed, cloth, and give us opportunities to grow makes us into strong and resilient people.
The foundations of our educational systems, local park districts, and community sports help us to build our identities. Identities that will launch us into good careers, strong leadership positions, and develop us into faith driven people. People who love and serve one another.
I personally love people most of the time. I find them so unique and exhilarating. I want to be involved and helpful and I hope people will do the same. I was taught that from my parents. They were honorable, committed, and responsible citizens. They led simple, but charitable and thought filled lives. They were there as great parents, supported others through times of sickness and sadness. They followed through with obligations, payments and deadlines. Are you helping the next generation to love one another? What can you do to invest in your children and those in your neighborhood?
Let’s all build more than long lasting buildings. Let’s care for what we already have so it lasts a long time. Let’s set a great example for our future generations. Building on good foundations is easier to see when it is poured in front of us, but giving children roots is a lot harder to do.
Have a great day, and “Delight in Living”.