Do you like nice things? I do and sometimes wish I did not.
Put your seatbelt on—I will take you on one of my rabbit trails of thought. I promise it won’t hurt.
While having nice things is nice—it is not always what it is cracked up to be. All the dishware and collectibles I have inherited are stored in our hutch. It’s big. The deliverymen referred to it as “The beast.”
“The beast” has a story in itself, starting with the wicked gash in its side, but will not elaborate on that today. I am nothing more than next in line of my ancestors collection. Whether tradition will continue and my kids want anything from it remains to be seen.
It. Is. Full. Everything in it must come out for a refreshing bath. When emptied, the glass must also be cleaned. It is more than a days work. Which brings me to my point. It is not so much ownership of memories—it is more like the acquisition owns me. Maintenance required.
Another for instance is our cookie jar. Like so much in our home, it has history. When my husband was just a boy, he purchased it—gifting the cookie jar to his mother. It reflects what a thoughtful, sensitive nature he has. Dave grew up with three other siblings. A cookie jar was a necessary kitchen item.
Washing that cookie jar is just short of a spiritual experience. When wet, it is slippery. It has lived such a long life—I would feel awful if I brought it to its’ demise. Care required.
On the other hand—check out these beautiful leaves. I am a pushover for autumn leaves. Dave says I can’t help myself. On the ground I can see their individual beauty—on the tree they get lost in the mass.
If you examine them closely, there are flaws. They are varying colors of death. The shapes are unique to the tree they fell from, and have little holes. Some may call imperfections.
Jesus and I think they are beautiful. They have served their purpose shading us in the heat of the sun, now we can appreciate their uniqueness. Various colors of death are beautiful when viewed with other trees. And those little holes? It reveals they have been through some stuff.
Have you been through some stuff too? Maybe you don’t look upon yourself as beautiful. Jesus feels you are just right. Acquiring a few scars as we go along is part of life. It defines who we are. If we live to tell about it—someone needs to hear it.
We are not placed on earth to endure, or look good in the eyes of others. We are here to lift each other up. Care and maintenance is required, and encouragement can be scarce. Let others know Jesus likes us just as we are.
One Day Wonders with JBK 