Closed Up Shop

Even in our state that has an above average economy, there are hundreds of empty buildings where business have moved to other locations or had to close permanently. The ones that seem the most glaringly obvious are the BIG empty boxes and acres of empty paved parking where grocery stores or large discount retailers used to serve customers. Our community has been pretty resourceful in recouping old grocery stores into libraries, churches, government offices, or specialty school extensions, but there are more sites left vacant than can be renewed. It’s too expensive to raze and too costly to refurbish for new businesses who often prefer to build their own big box on a new plot of land. I can’t imagine what a ghost town it might feel like in other areas where the economy is not as strong as our own. The deserted space seems to be a reminder of greed, poor planning, and selfishness. I don’t have the answers; I only know it makes me sad to see the waste of good land that could still be fields of grass which might help meet the high demand for sports practice fields and parks, and at the very least provide a daily sense of life and beauty. (as long as the grass is mowed, eh? :-)

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You are the great creator and designer of rebirth! We praise your works in the land and in our lives. Do we, your people, ever remind you of big vacant lots? Where there used to be exchanges of commerce and contact and now are left empty and solitary? Where hope was once present and now despair has taken residence? Where vitality at one time was bright enough to light the night skies and now has boarded portals allowing no entry? What do you see in us? Do you mourn our waste of resources? Are you frustrated with our choices? Do you reject our greed? Are you saddened by our lack of vision? Do you see a vessel worthy of rebuilding? Do you see the potential beneath the rust? Will you love us still? Help us to be receptive to your burnishing and restored by your renovations. Let us be humbled by your attention and care, and joy-filled by your grace and trust in our undeserving lives. You are the great creator and designer of rebirth! Amen.