Sunday, February 15, 2004

Forgotten

A dreary room sat neglected in the middle of a bustling household. Kept on their toes by business and pleasure the occupants rushed in and out. A thin layer of dust settled in the room that remained untouched for months.

Still, faded curtains hung in the windows unmoved as all the windows and doors were tightly shut. A worn throw rug lay over the dark, scratched floorboards. The bedspread perfectly spread over the torn sheets skimmed the floor as it hung from the sagging mattress. One would assume that the mattress should it ever be used would be lumpy and uncomfortable.

A ragged dress hung forgotten over the closet door. The out of date pattern splashed on the discolored fabric once boasted of the intricate detail the seamstress had handcrafted. A doll sat on the dresser next to a comb missing numerous teeth. The scratched drawers on the dresser were missing handles. A patch of sunlight passed through the dirt smudged windows illuminating a spot on the chair on the side of the bed. An open book lay neglected on its yellowing pages.

Life continued day after day for the people abiding in the house. They never paid attention to that room. It would more than likely one day be renovated replacing everything in it with the new and modern to hold the appeal that the rest of the house held. The up to date appliances, big screen TV, advanced technology held in the elegant sitting rooms and kitchen paled the desire to reside in the little room down the hall. That was the way of life.

Life continued until one day one of the occupants stood in the doorway of the little room. A look of amazement adorned her features as she stood transfixed in the doorway.

A lone flower graced the windowsill. It stood proud and tall in a refined vase. The purple hue of the delicate petals brought out the colors of the room. The rug seemed to come alive as the bedspread renewed the appearance of the bed. The dress hung a vivid display of quality. The worn chair held an invitation to the gathering group standing in the door. All of the sudden that which seemed dull and boring was fresh and alluring.


Everyday we pass over people much like that room was passed over. We look for the bright, splashy, modern. the beautiful. We seek the popular for status, power, position, or maybe because others seek them out.

Sometimes much like the flower brought a room to life it takes on instance, circumstance, or character trait to bring out those that have been overlooked. A light shines from inside their eyes as a never before seen glow makes an appearance.

Now it is up to us to decide whether to appreciate or to discard.