Sometimes when I look at my dining room chairs I think "ugh! They are all stained up and such a mess, I need to re-upholster them to make them look new and fresh." But today I had a different thought process when I looked at my stained and well used chairs. I thought...a lot of ministry has been had here. A lot of love has been given and shared at this table. Yes, the chair has stains and looks pretty pathetic now (8 years after purchasing it). We've had many foster children sit at these seats. Many a conversation was had about "the best part of our day" (a family tradition we share at dinnertime). Many a meeting was held at this table regarding the future of teenagers...many a game was played at this table, and many a memory was made.So today I say. I love the stains, tears, scrapes along the wood all because it means we were loving others with the Grace of God. I am so very thankful that our home has been a safe haven for those who need a special time away from the pain of this world.
I feel blessed to be used by God in this capacity.
Love this. Agree wholeheartedly!
ReplyDeleteI agree! We got a new dining room table and chairs about 4.5 years ago and when they were about 6 months old, I started homeschooling at the table because our lowest level of our house (split level) got too cold for schooling. Of course, with kids schooling at the table, stuff is bound to happen. I was so upset when I noticed the first nicks and scratches, and then a couple years ago Eric cleared the table and forgot to wipe it off and a big glop of tomato sauce ate through the finish in one spot. I wasn't a happy camper. Now? I look at the dents and scratches and smile at each memory. It's worn. It's used. It's loved. It's the sign of a happy household. Someday, I'll have a new table and chairs and will long for children to scratch them. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen!
ReplyDeleteKendra your last line made me cry. It really is so true. I want to bottle up these days so I can relive them in years to come.
I'm all for worn furniture now! :)