Jason Silver

Friday, April 19th, 2019

In the 1870s, a group of vigilante farmers from nearby Verona, who were upset about their flooded fields and ruined crops, crept down late one night and blew up the Petworth dam.

Today, the village is nearly a ghost town, and only a few ruins remain from the heyday of Petworth's rein.

When I view these kingdoms of men in decay, stones fallen to the ground, trees growing through foundations, it makes me wonder why we find beauty in these types of structures? What about ruins is so appealing?

Could it be that these structures awaken within us a sense of the impermanence of the physical? It has become an archetype of literature today: this awareness that humanity is here for a brief moment. Our time is fleeting, our kingdoms are temporary, while God's kingdom is eternal!

I'm struck by the obvious contrast to the never-ending Kingdom of God!

His kingdom truly is forever! For all time, all the works of his hands, all the angels and hosts of heaven, will bless him! Let's add our voice to the cacophony of praise!

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Amen.