Saturday, March 5, 2011

Matching Furniture. What Is That?

Most of our married life, Mike and I have had various used living room sofas and accessories. Only once or twice do I ever remember buying anything new in the way of furniture for the family room. We always had the idea that once the children were grown that we could focus on such a luxury as matching and coordinated furniture.

Mike sells furniture at a local furniture store. He and I were recently visiting about our day and he told me of a sale he made of a sofa that he really would love to have himself. I responded, "Not until the children are older", and he agreed.

It took a moment and then we both looked at each other and with laughter, I inquired, "Didn't we have this conversation twenty-five years ago?

Our mismatched furniture is of good quality and is comfortable. We purchased it at Goodwill when we moved into our home almost 3 years ago. Along with the dining room table and chairs, we spent less than $200 total. We have a large desk that was given to me by a co-worker, and old piano, a small computer desk for the children to use as a writing desk, and two nice large bookshelves that are the newest pieces in the room. The biggest thing we have is the peace of mind that we have no debt on such items.

When I think of spending money on furniture at this point in time with small children in the house, my thought goes to the relaxed way we sit and watch movies and eat popcorn on the sofa. Sometimes peanut butter sandwiches, gram cracker, Cheerios and a myriad of finger foods are eaten while we cuddle on the sofa and read a good book.

Wrong or right, it would be hard for me to enjoy the same events as much if I was concerned about the dollar amount of the piece of furniture we were sitting upon. It is more important to me to make memories with Pippi and Tommy than to have everything in my living room color coordinated. So we will enjoy and praise God for what we have.

We cherish and consider of great value the many hugs and kisses we receive daily from Tommy and Pippi as well as from one another. "I love you", is a song to our hearts. "Please", "Thank you" and "Your welcome" are so nice to hear. "I am sorry. Please forgive me?" and "I will forgive you." are practiced by all in our family.

Watching Pippi and Tommy learning about our Heavenly Father and seeing their developing love for Jesus is such a great treasure that we will hold dear for all time.

Listening to Chris reading to Tommy at night; and Heather reading to Pippi; hearing the giggles during pillow fights; watching the adoring way Pippi looks at her daddy and the smile on her face when they are preparing for a date and the way they dance to the oldies are priceless and treasured memories. Listening to Tommy's gruff little voice when he plays; hearing Pippi and Tommy shout, "Granddad" or "Goo" when Mike or I walk through the door after working all day, playing Chickenfoot, (including Tommy), are all wonderful memories to possess.

We may not have much in the way of worldly possessions in the eyes of some, but we are so rich in love, respect, honor, laughter and tears as we live a full life together under one roof.
Royal National in London