Some time ago, long before I arrived, someone in Prospect came up with the idea of getting little red clay squares, about 10cm square, and getting people to write or draw on them whatever they wanted. They were then placed in 5 by 5 arrays all over Prospect. Sometimes as I wander the streets praying I stop to read the squares and I wonder what ever happened to the people and families that wrote on the squares. Are the couples that swore their undying love for each other still together and is the clay square a poignant reminder or is it a source of pain and regret ? Do "pets need vets" as one square cryptically proclaims and why did the person write that ? What is the story behind the 4 girls that proclaimed that they were sisters forever ? What has happened to their family ? Is the person (I assume it was a teenage boy) who wrote "No Fat Chicks" really that offensive in real life ? Why did he write that ? Has his opinion matured ? What sort of relationships has he had with women and how have the women reacted to his attitude ? Who let him write that in the first place ? Is he now ashamed of what he wrote ?

I sometimes wonder if God were to write the history of my life in little clay squares, 10cm by 10cm, and placed them in the path of those around me, how would I feel about letting other see them. Which ones would I look at and be proud of ? Which ones would I look at and remember special people in my life ? Which ones would I look at and regret ? Which ones would I be ashamed of ?

God help me to be accountable. Help me to engrave clay squares in my life that reflect your glory. Help me to go on with the tasks you have given me, learning the lessons of what has gone before but not dwelling on those things you have already forgiven me for. Help me to look upon the things that you have brought into my life to shape my character and be thankful.

May all of your clay squares be happy ones :)
posted by Peter at 4:32 PM