When Hearth Hits Home

Sitting near a beautiful large stone fireplace in a Franciscan Friary,

I imagine its use in years past, heating the large high-ceilinged gathering space.

Now it serves as decor. No more wood in its belly, presently filled with artificial green ferns.

What a beautiful, stately hearth!

The room is currently warmed by wall heaters, under five windows, on two sides of the room around me.

I sink into a cozy armchair in the corner.

Are we like this fireplace, once warming others around us? Now providing a place for memories to gather, beauty to behold, but no longer needed for its original intent?

Or, are we the wall heaters, efficiently blowing warmth to comfort gathering persons?

One like an elegant memory.

One, not so attractive, but functional.

I see the irony of the artificial ferns.

Lord, thank you for life at all stages. May I continue to offer beauty and memories, even when I can no longer serve my surroundings as I once did.