The bottle of water in the cup holder shakes as the movement of the vehicle turns. The sun shines above the passenger seat. As I drive, I take notice of the outside beauty. The trees become a blur as I drive past. I lose count but then move my focus to the short, white lines in the road. I count those too. My head turns just slightly to the left as I take in the sight before me. Layers of well worn brick make up an old building. The windows are still in tact with the exception of heavily chipped window panes. There are no curtains. At a quick glance, I notice that there aren’t any appliances, furniture, lights, etc. that once made this place (in my mind) thrive. Tall, grassy patches make the yard surrounding the building. The mailbox has copious amounts of weeds overtaking the head. This place is abandoned.
One would think, “Who cares? It’s just a building.” You might be right. To me, it makes me wonder what it used to be and how it’s no longer flourishing. I think about how the owners had hopes and dreams for the place that is now replaced with bugs and rodents. What are they doing now? Did they ever reach their dreams with another venture? Will someone else save this building?
There are times when I question myself on why I care so much. Maybe it’s the fact that these buildings had so much potential and then…didn’t have potential. Maybe it resonates to a deeper level in my own life. One thing I know is true – we all have potential. Even when our “building” is falling apart. When we don’t know what our future is. When the critics tell us otherwise. When we are empty. God sees through the cracks of the foundation. The best part? He won’t abandon us. He still sees potential. He rebuilds. Refurbishes. Makes brand new.