Let me say that I have trouble remembering things these days. Call it age. Call it a distracted mind. Either way, reminders are important for me to have around.
Here are a few very special reminders that are sitting around my house right now…
The tiny perfume bottle turned vase. It was my granny’s. Oh, how I loved my granny. I have used it so many times for small blooms. It reminds me of her. She never had a lot. Raised a family in a two-room cabin before moving up to the city in a “spacious” 900 sq. ft. home. Regardless, she always loved well. And, that love usually included something good to eat. (Her chess pie recipe is the best!) Each time I place that perfume bottle on the window sill, I am reminded to love as my granny loved. To keep my arms open to those around me. To invite them in and maybe even give them a piece of chess pie (or more likely a piece of frozen pizza).
The purple flowers. They are clippings from my Butterfly Bush. It was given to me by my dear aunt who knows I love small wonders like beautiful blooms and butterflies. These sweet smelling petals remind me to keep my eyes open to all the beauty that God has created. It is alway right before us. Romans 1:20 says, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature.” When I open my eyes to see all that God created, I get a glimpse of him.
The candle. This particular candle reminds me of the importance of friendship. A sweet friend gave it to me from our birthday club. What is a birthday club? For me, it is a group of four women who met 15 years ago and who still plan time together around our birthdays each year. Although we have all went separate ways and don’t cross paths regularly, we always carve out a little time to catch up (even if that is several months after the actual birthday). This candle reminds me to not get too busy to carve out time for friendships.
The particular candle is lavender. Lavender is known for its calming qualities and heaven knows we all need some calm every now and then. This candle also says “seeking balance”. Isn’t that what we are all trying to do? Keep Calm. Stay Balanced. It’s hard some days. That’s why it is also serves as a reminder to me that quiet pauses in my day (especially those with Jesus) are so crucial to keeping my soul calm and my life balanced. I am reminded of Daniel who chose to pause three times per day to pray despite his responsibilities, other’s demands or requirements. A pause doesn’t require an extended period of time. It is more like a breath for the soul.
To love well. To open my eyes. To stay connected. To pause. Big reminders from small things.
Oh, and the Simple Life sign? Well, that is for another blog post. In the mean time, for those now craving chess pie or those who have never tried it. Here’s my granny’s recipe. It won’t disappoint. Enjoy!
Granny’s Chess Pie
1 1/4 cups Sugar
2 TBS Corn Meal
1/4 cup Melted Butter
3 Whole Eggs
1 TBS Vinegar
1 TSP Vanilla
1/4 cup Milk
Mix well. Pour into unbaked pie crust.
Bake at 325-350 degrees for 35-40 minutes
or until center is firm and browned.