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
love this!! what a great reminder to live life. live. not store, or wait … but to live …
thank you for sharing today!!
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!
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!
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.
So true! I need to break out my china more often. 😀 What's the point if it just gathers dust?
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.
So true. I like to use the good stuff for my husband and I. He's the most important person in my life, right?
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/
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
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!
Good call! Let it get used! Great blog; and thanks for stopping by mine earlier this week!
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!