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Use Your Best

April 13, 2010 by Tracey 12 Comments

It’s unusual for the fervor of spring cleaning not to have struck me yet. At the first hint of warm weather, I’m typically emptying closets and dusting blinds. I’m unsure where my motivation is this year, but I expect it to arrive at any moment.

As I begin this ritual, I am in search of pretty things – those elegant serving dishes, hand painted flower vases and fluffy new towels that don’t usually see the light of day unless guests are expected. I don’t want to keep the “good stuff” packed away or stuffed in a closet; I want our family to enjoy using any beautiful items we may have. As Erma Bombeck reflects in If I Had My Life to Live Over, “I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.”

Therefore, the footed glass bowl from my grandmother holds oranges on the snack table. My scalloped-edge white cake plate is stacked with apples on the kitchen counter. The cloth napkins once buried in a drawer and the blue glassware hidden behind our cereal bowls have been unearthed and put to use.

There’s no need to wait for a special occasion. I have been given the gift of today and I will embrace it with the very best that I have.

This post is linked to Tuesdays Unwrapped at Chatting at the Sky.

photo courtesy morgue file

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Filed Under: Live

Comments

  1. tracie @ {tsj} photography says

    April 13, 2010 at 10:59 am

    love this!! what a great reminder to live life. live. not store, or wait … but to live …

    thank you for sharing today!!

    Reply
  2. Graceful says

    April 13, 2010 at 11:00 am

    That's a great Erma quote. You've got the right idea here…I think I may have to break out that Waterford crystal vase we got for our wedding and use it to display…I don't know…daffodils cut from my yard? Thanks for a great post!

    Reply
  3. Esther says

    April 13, 2010 at 11:21 am

    So are you saying I should take the fancy china out of the boxes? The china I received 10 years ago for our wedding?
    Great post!

    Reply
  4. Southern Gal says

    April 13, 2010 at 11:41 am

    So true. Since my grandmother passed away almost four years ago, I have made a point to bring out those treasures she gave me. I want my family to enjoy them while I'm here to tell them the stories behind each object. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Sherry says

    April 13, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    So true! I need to break out my china more often. 😀 What's the point if it just gathers dust?

    Reply
  6. homebody0404 says

    April 13, 2010 at 1:45 pm

    I love this. Can you believe that I've been married 20 years and have only used my china twice? How sad is that? As soon as I settle into my new home I will make it a point to use it at least once a week. My family is special to me so why I shouldn't make them feel special, right? Thanks for the post.

    Reply
  7. Young Wife says

    April 13, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    So true. I like to use the good stuff for my husband and I. He's the most important person in my life, right?

    Reply
  8. Dawn says

    April 13, 2010 at 5:52 pm

    Very well said! This was my philosophy before I had kids, I wonder what changed? Thanks for coming over to my site!

    http://momseason.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  9. Miss G says

    April 13, 2010 at 6:14 pm

    I just came over from emily's and read your post. This is what I read last night: http://theblessednest.blogspot.com/2010/04/what-are-you-saving-it-for.html

    You guys have the same idea! It's a wonderful perspective. Thanks for sharing it. Kelly

    Reply
  10. Beth says

    April 13, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    How funny – I was thinking the same thing the other day. I guess it was because I in the middle of decluttering and doing my spring cleaning. Oprah said something about this once before and it stuck a cord in me. My mom used to (she is getting better at it) store "nice" things away and say she was "saving" them. I say use your nice things NOW!

    Reply
  11. Em says

    April 14, 2010 at 9:12 am

    Good call! Let it get used! Great blog; and thanks for stopping by mine earlier this week!

    Reply
  12. mylifebyfaith says

    April 15, 2010 at 4:23 am

    Hey, stopping by to return your visit! 🙂

    I wholeheartedly agree with you! We only have one shot at life on earth, and who wants to have cupboards full of unused stuff while we're doing it?!

    I also love your post on God's plan and timing being perfect. Amen!

    Reply

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Welcome! I'm Tracey, wife and mom to two teenage girls. I seek to help Christian moms raise children who know, love, and serve God by sharing Biblical wisdom, helpful tips, and practical advice. Read More…

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