Fading Photos

My uncle made a simple request and it has started a spiraling chain reaction. All that he wanted was a copy of a photo of their dad in front of the home's pecan tree. That started boxes of old photos being dragged from closets, a search at my sister's house, and the search continues tonight at my own house. Even though boxes of old photos with generations who could not be identified have been pared down over the years by our parents, there is still a generous sampling of family history. (Let my dad make a plug for identifying photos that you take with names and dates!) Now there are photos pulled out on beds, stacks made for various family members, and the questionable un-named patriarchs. One is never quite sure what to do with these unclaimed photos. You don't really feel any connection, but know there must be one to have found their way into the family photo album. I started thinking about the future of family photo albums. Now we share the majority of our photos electronically either by e-mail or posting on web pages. My husband even suggested scanning some of the old photos I brought home and posting them on flickr. As computers crash, storage devices become obsolete, web pages meet their data limit, and memory cards are lost, we may not have the same problem of combing through old photos. The decisions may be made for us on what is kept and what is not.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You love each of us intimately and dearly. You call each of us by name and know our comings and our goings. Our great grandparents were cherished by you as we are held closely today. We do not fade from your concern or lose meaning in your design. We are grateful to be included and named in the gathering of those you call your own. We are blessed and kept close in your presence. Amen.