Being Remembered

Photo by M Toerner; June, 2008; Rome, Italy

This is a statue in the Piazza Navona. A piazza is a large open area like an open square. This one had two big fountains. The two figures in the photograph represent two architects. The story goes that two architects were working on the same building. They were jealous and envious of each other and they wanted to discredit one another.

The figure in the fore-ground, whose head is covered by a cloth, represents the distain and hatred of its creator for the other man. He did not want to gaze upon the other man's lesser work. To make his point, he created this figure whose entire head is blinded and covered.

The figure in the background, with his hand held up as though is he protecting himself, was created by the other architect. It represents the idea that the other builder was not trust-worthy. His posture is suggesting that the part of the building created by his rival is about to fall on him.

Can you believe that these guys? They created and carved these two statues which have revealed the hardness of their hearts toward one another for centuries. Jealousy and callousness are not productive sources of inspiration. How sad! These two artists are not remembered for the architecture of the building in the background; they are remembered for the "in your face" commentaries made by these two figures. It is regrettable that hard-hearts and hatred are their lasting legacy.

Do you have any "statues" in your heart which communicate your hardness of heart; your unforgiveness; your envy, distrust, and lack of respect for another? Don't be remembered for this type of attitude.

Instead, be remembered for the quality and consistency of your: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. What do you think you will be most remembered for? Praying for you, Murphy