The collector and the tea cup

I don't know if I really qualify to have the title "Collector".  That name brings images to my mind of scavenging squirrels stocking up on their supply of acorns--- or I could word it in a regular and boring way and say--- that name brings images to my mind of dedicated individuals searching and collecting certain items of their interests of which they are very knowledgeable. 

Well, I only have eight bone china tea cups and saucers, and I really do not know much about them; but I guess I will award myself the term of "Collector" for this post (it sounds a lot more professional, don't you think?). 

Why am I writing about my collection of bone china tea cups?  Basically, it is because I was awoken to the rude reality of realization. 

Whenever I visit a thrift shop or antique store and see a neglected bone china tea cup and saucer, I pull it from its dusty confines and speculate on the great find I just made.  I can picture myself holding a $2,000 item in my hand that someone had overlooked and sold for $.50.  I take my precious treasure home, wash it up, gently display it in my room, and look on it with pride- waiting for the day when the discovery will be made that I could be a millionaire if I would allow my fine collection to be placed in a grand museum.

But today, I finally decided to try to locate the value of my collection by myself and put a little work into bringing in my extreme wealth (since no museum had called me up yet).  I wrote down every little piece of information I could find, and I memorized the pattern print, and I sat down at the computer to embark on the information dig.

The more I looked and scanned the pages, the sadder I became.  I started to see my million dollars drift away and vanish.  No museum would be knocking on my door and begging for the china cup that an empress had lifted to her lips, or the china cup that was the only one of its kind to survive a major rickshaw wreck as it was being transported in a big wooden box.

Alas, my imaginings were all in vain.  Heartbreaking, isn't it?, when you find out what you have isn't going to buy that vacation trip around the world or build that cute chalet in the Alps. 

It is so easy to pick up the "strike it rich" mentality.  I see advertisements all the time that proclaim that their business will make you rich in just a few days if you follow their simple guidelines or sell their amazing products.  I stand behind lots of people eagerly scratching their lottery cards hoping for "The Big Win."  There's t.v. shows proclaiming lots of money to the person that can just get the answer right.

This nation hopes and dreams for instant wealth for two reasons:  1. They are tired of working hard and would rather lay back and let a lucky win keep them comfy for the rest of their lives and 2. They can't possibly acquire all their "wants" without the cash to buy them.

Since when did it become such an awful thing to work hard and buy just the basic items of food, some clothes, and a place to live?  Why does there have to be the best of phones, computers, cars, vacations, homes, stocks, and retirement tacked on as needs and requirements to live a happy life?

All I have seen come from the search of "instant wins" and "lucky breaks" is a bunch of unhappy people spending more money on trying to win than what their chances are of ever getting it back. 

Don't get me wrong.  I am one of the firmest believers of dreaming big and reaching for the stars, but I believe that it should be done on hard work and not just the chance of luck.  Besides, wouldn't we be happier if we just do our best and let God take care of the rest?

Well, that's all that this tea cup collector has to say for this week.  Blessings for your journey until I cross your path next week!  (And don't forget to drink your tea) 

The Departure

I am one of those sentimental persons.  I can play a c.d. of Tchaikovsky, light a few candles, watch the rain falling outside my window, and start becoming melancholy about anything. 

However, I did not have to do any of that to get this sad, lonely feeling that is abiding inside of me right now. 

That happened all by itself when I started thinking about the loss of a very special friend that will be taking place tomorrow evening. 

Oh, I know she is not dying; and I will hopefully see her in a year or so; but I still can not help feeling a little depressed about the situation.
 

My very dear friend has been called to Grenada for the next two years to teach school.  I couldn't be more proud of her, but I really am going to miss her.  Isn't it funny how you take your friends for granted when you can see them every week?  A youth activity, supper together, or a sleepover were just a normal occurence.  I was so used to seeing her- that I didn't think twice about it. 

Now I really wish I had enjoyed those times together more.  It really makes you stop and appreciate something when you know it will be taken from you.  Why is it so hard to get my brain geared to the simple activity of thanking God daily for all the blessings He puts in my life???  Why is it so easy to forget to tell my friends and family how wonderful they are??? 
 
 So, Amanda, if you happen to read this little post, I want you to know.... that even though I may have never told you this very often, I am so glad that God placed you in my life! 

 And I also wish you all of God's blessings as you depart from home and enter into an exciting new journey.

"May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer."