I’ve had this mug for 30 years. And, the other day my dear sweet husband brought me all the broken pieces. I saw his devastated face before I saw what he held in the dust pan.
Pieces of 30 years of my life. It lived with me before I left home for the first time. It traveled to every apartment, house and town I ever lived in. It even went with me on vacation a time or two.
Thirty years of memories shattered in an instant when our cat didn’t quite make the jump to the counter. And, in his panic to hold on, grab the first thing he saw — my mug.
My Mississippi Mud Mug, handcrafted by a true artisan in Mississippi. A unique souvenir I purchased as a teenager on a trip to see family. And, I’ve treasured it every since.
It always held the best cup of coffee. Tea? Not so much. Tea just wasn’t right in this earthen mug. But, coffee? Always decadent. Always relaxing. The perfect cup.
Every time.
So you see, when my mug “met its maker” so to speak, it brought up a lot of things for me. Not just that I lost my favorite mug, but that at any moment, I could lose something precious to me.
Some of you may be saying, “Oh my gosh, freak! It’s just a mug.” While others of you would say, “Oh my gosh! I totally feel you!”
While we Texans would just say, “Bless your heart,” which could mean either one.
It’s important to me. And, I didn’t know how much. And, I was reminded of a verse about storing up treasures on earth. Have you heard it?
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6: 19-21
Well, I guess we know where my heart is.
I really didn’t realize how much of a hold one little item had on my life. It made me think — how many other items make me feel the same way?
A while back, I had another blog called Christ-following Minimalist, where I spoke about simple living, a minimalist lifestyle, survival skills and more. I’ve gotten away from it, but tonight I am reminded — this is the core of my being.
What is important to me? Is it memories? People? Places?
Or, is it knick knacks, thingamabobs and mugs?
It is completely and totally okay to love our stuff — to find those treasures that bring us joy. But, I am asking myself — How many “treasures” do I really need?
How many pairs of shoes?
How many pairs of pants?
And, dare I say, how many books do I really need?
So tonight, I’m going to think and pray and ask my Heavenly Father to grant me some wisdom. Have I stored up too many treasures on earth? And, how do I store up some of those glorious treasures in heaven?
So, tell me – do you feel the same way? Not at all? Let me know! Am I the only one? I love y’all! Thank you so much for reading and being a part of my family! If you’d like more emails from me (not too many! Just enough!) please consider signing up for my members-only email group and receive inspiration in your inbox! Just follow this link and you’re in! https://mailchi.mp/3532024620bb/dawnmichellemichals
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