Post Christmas Letdown

Photograph

Recognition is prerequisite to Return. In the words of Jesus, before healing the disabled man at the pool, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6 NIV). Before beginning this return journey from separation, we must recognize our failure to unite with God because of our love of power, possessions and self interests.

In the photograph, "Post Christmas Letdown," the empty mall store, still full of glitter and sale items, represents to me a modern version of what Christ faced in the wilderness. The store's emptiness and expanse contribute to this comparison.

We can possess all of these things, perhaps on credit, but we eventually recognize that these things do not bring us peace and oneness with God. Though the recognition of our failure doesn't solve the problem, it is a very big first step.