23. Use the good stuff.

Light the candle, use the china, wipe your hands on the “good” towels.

Recently I went to a bridal shower for a friend. The guests were asked to write down a piece of advice for the newlyweds on the mat of a picture frame. Some really great things were shared. Maybe I will write about that soon. After thinking for a bit, I wrote, "Use the good stuff." Here's what I mean:

I have a china cabinet. It’s full of just what you would expect...china, crystal, and other delicate dining objects. My granny had one that is so similar. She let me pull the little things out of it and hold and examine them. I still remember looking at all of it with such fascination. I also have a quilt cabinet and a quilt rack. If I told you that I use the quilts made by Brad’s grandmother or my great-grandmother for picnics, wrapping up in at cold soccer games, and a little bit ago as tent forts would that give you any feelings? What if I told you that I use the china in that cabinet and just wash it in the dishwasher? Or that I burn through a really lovely candle every few weeks? Uncomfortable yet? What is it about using our lovely things that makes us uncomfortable? What are we saving all that “stuff” for anyway? An important celebration? The "Right Moment"?  I’m alive right now with the three biggest earthly blessing God has given me, Brad, Grey and Mia. And lets add in all the other blessing of healthy parents, amazing family and friends...the list goes on for all of us. If that’s not a reason to celebrate, well, I must not know what celebration is for. Life is a flash, lets enjoy the good stuff now.

James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.