The Good Stuff

We got married in the 80's.  One of the first things my mom told me to do, after I announced to her that I was engaged, was to go and pick out our china and silver patterns.  Dishes and silverware.  Both formal and everyday.  So I did what I was told (well, it was a joint decision).

For almost 30 years we've lived with the choice of our "everyday" dishes -- Pfaltzgraff Yorktowne.  Dozens of chips and cracks and broken plates later, these dishes are still in our cabinet.  My children are as familiar with these white dishes embellished with blue flowers as they are with the wallpaper in their bedrooms and the carpet in our living room. The image has appeared before them every day since birth.  It is with them forever.






But I doubt whether any of my three children could describe our "formal" dinnerware.  In fact, the other day I walked by the buffet where we keep the "good" china and silver and I stopped.  I stopped and opened the drawers to look at the silver.  I opened the cabinet to look at all the dishes and cups and other items.  I couldn't remember the last time we'd used them.  And then I asked myself two simple questions:

 

What are we saving them for?

 For what "special occasion" are we waiting?  

Recent circumstances of life have caused me to take serious inventory of what is most important to me, and what I believe God wants me to prioritize in my life.  Not surprisingly, it has nothing to do with dishes and silverware.  It has everything to do with people, and time, and love.

I've come to the following conclusions, for now:

1. Every day is special, and a special occasion occurs when people gather together.  Family, friends, strangers.  When we get together, it's a special occasion because Christ is present.
2. Things are not meant to be "saved" -- things are meant to be USED.
3. I don't want the legacy I leave my children to be made of china and silver -- I want it to be the love I shared with them that overflowed from the love of Jesus within me.
4. God has given me this day -- THIS precious day -- and I don't want to waste it.  I want to be used by Him to speak truth and show love to others.
5. I am convinced that my greatest regrets will be the things I have NOT done and the words I have NOT spoken.  I am praying for the strength and courage to limit those regrets now.

And on a practical note, we're going to start using the good stuff.  Maybe not every day, but on a more regular basis.

Just don't tell my mom.