Are We Losing Sight of Our Humanity?
Our future is at the mercy of constantly shifting sands
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Last week I broke one of my favorite vases.
I’ve had it for a long time. In fact, the piece was a gift from a close friend.
The vase was hand-made from natural materials, sculpted by a skilled artisan with a fluted edge design and vibrant color scheme that always caught my eye.
Displayed on a bookshelf, it held a prominent place in my home and my heart — a constant reminder of the close and cherished relationship I have with my friend, and a symbol of the power of connection, love, and generosity.
Whenever the bookcase needed to be cleaned, I’d carefully remove the vase and place it in on the couch, the soft cushions protecting their temporary charge. Then I would reposition the piece on the shelf, where it had become the focal point of the room. Whenever I saw it, which was every day, I’d smile and think of my friend and how grateful I was to have her in my life.
But last week, I made a mistake.
While washing the dishes, I noticed the bookcase looked a little dusty. I quickly finished the pots and pans and grabbed a rag to dry my hands. Heading to the shelf, I reached for the vase. But my usually confident grip had been compromised by a bit of water between my fingers. Before I knew it, the vase had slipped from my grasp and crashed to the floor, shattering into a dozen pieces.
Horrified, all I could do was watch it happen, my mind frozen at the impossible sight as if witnessing some terrible natural disaster. Paralyzed with shock and confusion, my heart beat wildly at my carelessness.