Just a Picture on the Wall
If you’re like me, your home is decorated with pictures and plaques that have special meaning to you and your family.
Some of them may be gifts that have been given to you. One of the largest paintings in our home hangs in our dining room. It was a gift from Jim on Christmas many years ago. I still love it and enjoy it. It isn’t just a painting on a wall, it is a memory of how much Jim pleases me with his wonderful gifts.
In our study we have all different kinds of plaques and pictures that are mostly work related or inspiring. Some are drawings from friends, while others are plaques we have received in the past. They aren’t just pictures on the wall.
As I was deep cleaning our guest room preparing for family to come, I looked at a watercolor picture I had framed on that wall. It’s a favorite of mine because it was painted by a young man who is very special to us. He was just a boy when we first began our work at the Central church of Christ in Paducah. It is a watercolor of the house we lived in on a snowy day when we began that work. It was a beautiful house and we enjoyed our time living there. That painting isn’t just a picture on the wall; it is a memory for our family from a very special person.
Our bedroom has a beautiful painting on a wall that was painted by our dear friend Teresa Hampton. It has special meaning to us because of her. It isn’t just a picture on a wall.
Our sunroom has pictures of our grandchildren and other family members on a wall so that we can enjoy looking at them and filling our hearts with how much love we have for each one of them. They aren’t just pictures on a wall, they are reminders of just how special those family members are to us.
All of these pictures are filled with memories and mean so much more than words can say.
All of this came into my mind while I was at our church building. In the office wing we have a board that has pictures of all our members. I was looking for one particular picture, but as I did that I began to notice individual pictures of other people. Some I noticed as regularly attending worship and being involved in the work of the church. But then I noticed some who could be described as just a picture on the wall. They attend when it’s convenient for them, but seldom, if ever, take part in the work of the church.
Now, before you get too upset with me, let me hasten to say that I know there are some who are home-bound and unable to attend. If they could, they would be there. Their picture should always remain on that board.
However, there are those who are able-bodied, and known to be busy with many other activities, but fail to be part of the work of the church. Attendance is not a work! Joining hands with your brothers and sisters and being involved will keep you from being just a picture on the wall.
Are you just a picture on the wall?
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
AUTHOR: Donna Faughn
