Forget money, credit cards, cheque-books, rolex watches (aye, plural), credit busting electronic gadgets. The things that go in the small box in my car are more to be treasured than such vulgar cash-value idols. I do icons, not idols. Not only the painted variety, but those objects that slowly accumulate through a lifetime, and can be gathered into a small box of graced gifts, not so much objets d'art as objets d'amis.
Like the holding cross placed in my hand by a friend several years ago when life threatened to come clattering in on top of me.
Like the two beautiful calligraphy sheets, on which Alistair Beattie wrote two poems one that cuts like plough blades into my soul: The Musician, by R S Thomas, and the other that says all I ever want to about prayer, Prayer II by George Herbert.
Like the cast steel paperweight in the ahpe of a dove, engraved with the text "Live by the Spirit", a gift from a close friend with whom I've shared coffee, tears and laughter.
Like the caithness glass limited edition paperweight, chosen by me from a fine collection that belonged to one with whom I'd walked a furlong or two of his hard journey.
Like the beech wood bowl, a gift from the staff and children of Beechwood School who were sorry to see me leave Aberdeen, and who I hope will be happy to see me back again!
Like several special cards from birthdays past, that happened to say things I needed to read, or said things I just liked having said about me - yes, affirmation does change the way the world looks, and these cards are hard evidence of kindness.
Like the fountain pen presented to me (at my request) by the Aberdeen congregation I served for 17 years, and with whom Sheila and Iwill soon resume our journey.
Like the leather folder Sheila bought for me in 1975 - sized A5, tooled simply, and now coloured in a deep matured brown leather, the beauty of the object providing a place for important words written and spoken.
My old rotary wind up watch, - old because bought for my 21st Birthday - condemned by the watchmaker as unfixable, but following some uneducated taps and shakes, has since gone in its old reliable way.
These and a number of other personal treasures don't go on any lorry. They are occasional sacraments, memories held in the hand, gentle nudges in the direction of gratitude. And on arrival at our new house, and when the study is set up, they will each resume their place, and their role as God's love through created things.
Snap on two of your precious objects: "The Musician" and the wind-up 21st birthday Rotary watch!
Posted by: chris | March 18, 2010 at 12:11 PM
These stuff indeed is precious. I also keep the gifts that my friends gave to me back in my highschool and college days. Brings back so much memories..
Posted by: renaissance costume | March 18, 2010 at 06:22 PM
Merci à la part des blogueurs, comme le style de votre article. .
Posted by: casquette new era | March 14, 2012 at 07:34 AM
I also keep the gifts that my friends gave to me back in my highschool and college days. Brings back so much memories..
Posted by: tee shirt pas cher | May 22, 2012 at 07:52 AM