Blessed Abode
By Colline Nobleza
DIGITAL IMAGING
Blessed Abode
By Colline Nobleza
It was a normal Monday on April 28, 2025 when I decided to wake up earlier than the sun rises. I do not yet have a specific subject that I chose to photograph but one thing’s for sure — I wanted to capture how cozy, light and peaceful the ambiance of our home is.
I did my morning routine. Brushed my teeth, washed my face, made my coffee, and ate my breakfast which my mom made. As usual, we were having a conversation together about literally anything. It was 6:00 as I noticed that the sun had already risen, it made this color that is not vividly golden but sure is magical.
Many parts of our house are being illuminated by the sun but I could not spot a specific subject that I am satisfied with capturing and that I also think is interesting. Slowly, I began to worry that I might not capture anything from our home, and I nearly chose to postpone it until another day. However, still determined to take a picture, I even ventured outside and looked around a little distance from our house, but I was unsuccessful to come across something.
But as I re-entered our gate, I saw that the light was focused on two specific objects: the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and the prayer "God Bless Our Home" hanging on the side of the screen door that opens to our home. That's when I realized what a wonderful coincidence it was, as though the Heavenly Father was honoring these prayers and recognizing their significance as a part of our blessed home through the rays of the sun.
As the prayer said, “...and Bless each door that opens wide, So stranger us to kin and Bless each crystal window pane that let the starlight in,” I also came to see how these prayers provide guidance to our home, our family and everyone who enters it. Suddenly, it occurred to me that our home has always served as a gathering place for our family, a place for some of my closest friends to hang out, and a haven of comfort.
Strengthened through past generations, these prayers have been with us and witnessed everything from and through that door and wall. From the birth of one and the loss of another, I believe that they are playing a big role in keeping our home strong. Therefore I am thankful for my family members that are not with us anymore but each has a piece of our hearts, especially my father who just went to his eternal rest just last year.
These photographs made me realize that from natural calamities to family and personal issues, we have always been fortunate and blessed that our home has withstood every crisis. And more importantly, after all those crises, we still remained loved, safe, and happy.