The Parthenon. Once Beautiful; Now, Ruined
Just Sometimes
Once in a while, I stumble upon something that I think makes an interesting allegory to relationships. Well, here goes.
A Little Background, If You Please
The Parthenon was originally built as a temple for the Greek goddess Athena. It's about 2500 years old, and over its existence it has been used as a Church, Mosque, safe haven, treasury and even as an ammunition depot. This architectural wonder took just 9 years to build. More of that over here.
Eons Of Devastating Deterioration
Over its existence, it has been pillaged for its parts, stripped of artifacts, and even bombed. In 1975, the Greek Government began a US$100 million restoration effort to mitigate some of the damages made to the structure. They are nowhere near to completion. They are having difficulty replicating the precision of the craftsmanship. In other words, modern architects have been struggling 30-odd years doing what ancient Greeks took 9.
I Think It Sounds Like How Some Relationships End Up
Doesn't it? And I mean "relationships" in the broadest sense; friends, family, spouses. A relationship takes a relatively short time to get going, and it's always beautiful at the start. Once you're past the glow of the initial spark, neglect starts to wear at the relationship. It takes punishment and abuse. Collapse - structural integrity notwithstanding - becomes inevitable. Repair work comes in, usually at the eleventh hour. It becomes a Herculean effort - though not an impossible task - to mend the hurt and loss. Repair works are far too little, and far too late.
Are you building today, or are you letting treasure slowly ruin?
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