Our Priceless Collection of Art

Through membership in several organizations, James and I have had the opportunity to travel extensively in the last few years.  We have met people in all stations of life; many of which have substantial wealth.  We have stayed in some beautiful homes and have attended receptions in private residences that contain works of art and architecture that few have the privilege to possess or admire.

One lovely couple invited us into their home for cocktails upon a visit to their hometown of Philadelphia.  Jim and his wife have amassed an art collection unsurpassed by most small museums.  The collected work contains rich oils, original watercolor, and charcoal sketches created by female artists.  Hundreds of thousands of dollars, hours of research, and multiple auctions have been dedicated  to acquiring paintings that line the walls of their home.  There is a story about each painting, and if time allows, they affectionately recall the tale and recite the history of the artist. The collection is breathtaking and takes most of the evening to tour the three floors of which there is now limited wall space for hanging cherished paintings.  Jim and his wife have an attachment to each painting, and it is revealed in the narrative of how, when and where the painting was acquired.

Jim came to our humble little cottage last week.  At first notice of his scheduled arrival, I had a tinge of regret that we do not have one painting to show, nor do we have obvious wealth.  I must admit, though, I have passed that stage in life when the desire for more overtakes my thoughts and ambitions.  I remain content with what I do have in abundance.  As I prepared a meal to share with him, set the table, cleaned the guest room, and awaited his arrival, I thought about the minimal wall hangings we have in our house – all purchased on a shoestring budget.  Then God reminded me of the most precious wall hangings we have in our house: our four sons and their families.

Like works of precious and expensive art, we have poured our resources into our children: our love, our talents, our time, our money, and our appreciation for their lives. Our children and grandchildren have used a broad brush of love and delight in our lives, and we display their photographs with great pride.

I did not say aloud my thoughts about our meager art collection, but I think Jim understood the pride and joy associated with the photographs that grace our modest home.  Perhaps he saw each one as a valuable work of art that is irreplaceable.  

October 10, 2016