ret·ro·spec·tion (definition via internet)
ˌretrəˈspekSHən/
noun
- "The action of looking back on or reviewing past events or situations, especially those in one's own life."
My morning "retrospection" is a reflection on thoughts, actions, and "dreams" from yesterday that have lingered into today. I will elaborate as we go...
We took a little ride yesterday, and as we passed by this old "Florida Cracker-style house" , I begged my hubby to pull over so I could take a picture. He did so, a bit reluctantly, because there wasn't much room alongside the road to do so safely, but he finally managed to stop, and I stepped out of the car for a brief moment and snapped this photo. Why? Because I love the style, the historical value, and the enchanting charm of this old house with its rusty tin roof and rambling front porch overgrown with sprawling vines and summer grasses. Something about this old homeplace just spoke to my heart as I contemplated the memories of days gone by and the lives of those who lived, laughed, and loved in this place and called it "home"..."be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."
Of course, when I got back home I immediately placed this picture on my Facebook page, and mentioned how much I'd love to "explore" it further and perhaps get a picture of the side view of the house, as I could barely glimpse a back extension of a breezeway and an attached summer kitchen--a typical type of structure for that day and time. I further stated that it didn't appear to be inhabited. Several of my friends commented right away about the charm of this place, and a few even had further insights into the historical significance of the summer kitchen...
From my friend Mirl: "They would build the kitchen away from the house in case of fire. Also to cut down on the heat!"
And regarding the double front doors on the porch...
From my friend Lonnie: "Notice two front doors. This was to allow the parents access to the porch after the young'ins went to sleep."
Also about the front porch:
From my friend Judy: "Shelled peas many times on a porch like that."
Others gave good advice about being careful for "critters" and/or "snakes" in the grass...which is a real possibility here in Florida.
But one friend made a comment that rather caught me off guard and kind of spoiled the happy mood of the moment.
She said, "Do you own that property? Aren't there No Trespassing laws in every state?"
My first thought was not kind, so I had to pray before answering, but even that came with some difficulty. Finally I just responded this way: "No I don't. Yes there are. I merely said I would "like" to explore and take more pictures. My Goodness! Can't a girl dream?"
She later retracted her comment, so perhaps she realized that she came across rather strongly...but I must admit, it made me think. Was I wrong to want to "explore" this place? Was I truly "trespassing" by stepping out of my car to take pictures? I realize that sometimes in my zeal to get the best pictures there are times that I may "step over the line" to get a little bit closer, or to get a better perspective...but I guess I never honestly thought I was trespassing! So this morning I am doing some internal retrospection into my heart, my motives, and my thoughts. I certainly don't want to give even the appearance of doing something wrong or inappropriate at any time, even if my intentions were honest and noble...or just wanting to get the "BEST" shot!! (hmmm, maybe a little pride there?)
Here are a few scriptural passages that came to my attention on this subject:
"Test all things;
hold fast what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil"
I Thessalonians 5:21-22
"Let love be without hypocrisy.
Abhor what is evil.
Cling to what is good."
Romans 12:9
"Be of the same mind toward one another.
Do not set your mind on high things,
but associate with the humble.
Do not be wise in your own opinion."
Romans 12:16
"If it is possible, as much as depends on you,
live peaceably with all men."
Romans 12:18
"Love does no harm to a neighbor;
therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Romans 13:10
Okay, Lord, I get it. Pride is something I need to work on, as is my own opinion of myself and what I think. Perhaps this friend, even in what I considered to be an unfair judgment, was sent to remind me to be more careful in my "zeal"...watch out that I do not "step across that line"... not just in taking the "best pictures", but in all of my life. It is so easy to sometimes blur the lines a little bit here and there, and before we know it we have stepped too far out of line.
Romans 13:12-14 says:
"The night is far spent,
the day is at hand.
Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armor of LIGHT.
Let us walk properly, as in the day,
not in revelry and drunkenness,
not in lewdness and lust,
not in strife and envy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make NO provision for the flesh,
to fulfill its lusts."
So, I may never get that perfect picture of the backside of that house...unless there is someone to give me permission to do so. Perhaps the Lord has given me this little "warning" to protect me from harm! Who knows? There may be some critters hiding there after all!
Thank You, Lord, for your watchcare over my body as well as my soul. Amen.
