Every relational house
has a pantry of plenty.
It is filled with potential —
conversations not yet had,
places not yet visited,
experiences requiring courage
that could take you to the moon.
Like all pantries,
when it is stocked too full
and the packages go beyond
their expiration date,
the potential becomes putrid,
the abundant pantry transforms
into a closet of resentment.
Dark anger oozes out
around the edges of the door.
A thousand conversations,
never had,
pile up in there.
Soon no one,
not you, not me, not her, no one
dares open that door.
Only an outside cleaning company
can handle it. You may
need to move out while they work.
But here is an answer:
Engage the potential.
Have the conversations.
Keep your pantry clean.
— Anthony Signorelli