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The weeds stood tall on the property once well maintained by past generations of family members. The old barn was falling in and now possessed with every species of vermin. The old family cabin had begun to collapse. The windows were broken out, with evidence of vandalism and trespassing. The front porch had been totally destroyed by termites and the weather.

As I peered through the broken glass, I saw remnants of old furnishings and pictures. The old wallpaper of a bygone age hung desperately on the sagging walls. The old floorboards were splintered, unable to secure the steps of its passenger. I flashbacked to the times I had walked those floors. Echoes of voices resonated in my ears as I recalled snippets of conversation spoken on carefree weekends over half a century ago. Nearly every individual had passed away years ago.

In a near trance, my mind jettisoned back to my childhood when my maternal grandfather inherited the property of his ancestors. The folklore, history and legacy of the hearty Welshmen who settled the hills of Granville, Ohio, was woven tight into the fabric of my soul. The land they homesteaded was now possessed by those who had no interest in its heritage. As a descendent, I was feeling disrespected and disregarded. I can only imagine what my ancestors would say if they were here today.

It was a heart wrenching scene, forever imbedded into the recesses of my memory. As I returned to my car to drive away, I couldn’t help but wonder, how could this historic family landmark have been abandoned and forsaken? The neglect and decomposition would have been slow and methodical. It did not happen overnight. It was a choice by someone to give up, forego their responsibility and walk away.

In like manner, there are many people who are in desperate need of “soul care.� Soul care is the daily attention given to every part of our being. It is holistic care of the body, mind and spirit.

There are times in our lives when we are weary and heavily laden with a load of care. Those times when we have become overwhelmed with the loss of a loved one, the catastrophic health diagnosis of a parent, or the loss of a job. The shadow of darkness is creeping into our minds, and we do not have the strength to continue forging forward. Time is not the cure for those slipping into discouragement, depression or despair. Giving up must not be an option.

Help from a qualified counselor is required. Whether we have succumbed to the blues or have been diagnosed with clinical depression, we must seek relief from qualified caregivers. Our mental health is critical and must not be neglected.

There are times when the soul is parched, and you feel alienated from God, or you feel lost and confused on your spiritual journey. These are moments to reach out to a reputable pastor or spiritual mentor for spiritual guidance and encouragement. The house of God with its soul stirring music and food for the spirit are imperative for spiritual growth.

In addition, there are times when our health is in decline, and we do not feel well. We need the help of a physician. In addition, regular checkups, diet and vitamins are mandatory for vitality and wellbeing. Rest, sleep and exercise are important also factors in soul care.

If the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the wounded soul are neglected, one cannot wish that tomorrow everything will be alright. No, there will be a steady decline and deterioration, like the old log cabin. Holistic daily maintenance is obligatory for a healthy individual, so let us not neglect the “Temple of God.�

Even though we age and will one day pass away, let us live today with the best quality of life available. If only the old cabin had had daily care for its preservation, it could still be standing today.