Abandoned in the desert

     I walked in the desert today and found a block wall. The wall was built a few years ago during the building boom. For a while it seemed new neighborhoods sprouted up everywhere overnight. I considered the Biblical passage about "counting the cost" as I strolled past the enclosure. Inside are paved streets and street lights. The construction stopped there. No houses. No yards. No people to occupy the land.
   Was the builder shortsighted? Maybe. The economic downturn was certainly a factor in the abandoned housing tract. It struck me as rather sad--the burgeoning neighborhood aborted before it even came to life.
   Though no one can predict the future, there is One who knows all things. A wise person knows whom to call on for help and advice. I pray I never be as that empty shell, full of potential but void of life and purpose.
   Walking farther I noticed someone had dumped their garbage. I never understood why people left furniture, broken appliances, and the like in the desert. Why leave your garbage for others to deal with? Upon closer inspection, however, the abandonment of these items was both sad and puzzling. Among the items were photographs, video tapes of family moments, and personal mail.
   I treasure photos and videos of my children when they were small, and am amazed that someone considered "Randy's 2nd birthday" rubbish. I also would not have left mail with personal information for all to see, I would have shredded it. Why invite identity theft?
   Is there a lesson here? Although we are told to store up treasure in heaven where it will not rust, rot, or be stolen, I believe we should care for our earthly resources. Have we become such a throwaway society that even our memories are thoughtlessly discarded in the desert?