the old, new “southern glow”

A few months back my mom called.  She was cleaning out some of her older things in the kitchen.  And she wanted to know: Did I want the old set of dishes we used to use at the dinner table during my childhood years?  They were still in really great condition after many many years of wear and tear: Noritake’s  “Southern Glow” was the pattern name.

Well, I couldn’t say no.

In the first place, I had been saying to Michael not a week before that I thought we were going to need some new every day dinner ware.  A lot of ours had broken, or were cracked and chipped and frankly I was a bit concerned about little fingers getting cut.   Well, these dishes from Mom weren’t the same as the lovely pattern I had found in the Williams-Sonoma catalogue online, but they were definitely nice enough.

Besides, what Mom was offering was a big chunk of my childhood.  And I’m such a sucker for nostalgia and reminiscing.  I could not turn her down. It was settled then.  She would deliver them in person later in the fall.

Last week, when my folks arrived for their visit, they brought a large box full of “southern glow” dinner and luncheon plates, cups and saucers.  I opened the box and unwrapped the pieces. My fingers traced over the red and brown floral pattern that perched on the rim of each piece, those unique, little flowers looking as bright and crisp as ever.  Oh the memories that flooded in, from birthday dinners to special meals with guests, to the regular every day kind of suppers.

The flowers, they really do kind of glow…

And then I gave it more thought …

My parents didn’t just serve food at dinner time – Our family meals at supper time were some of our best times together, laughing and sharing our lives.  Especially as we got older, I know my parents were investing in us, teaching us godly principles and wholesome character.  When I look at those dishes, I remember so much of what they taught me, day in and day out.

Now, the dishes are circa 1960’s – and they look it.  The pattern is not just retro, it is vintage.  There was a day, not so long ago, I would have refused them for this very reason.  In fact, I’m sure many looking at the photos, might think they are ugly.  They certainly aren’t the newest Kate Spade set of every-day-ware on the market. But, do I really need those?  really?   In a season of life where I am trying to learn more fully and deeply about contentment and gratefulness, which is something my parents spent time trying to instill in me so long ago,  these dishes are the perfect object lesson.

The old is made new again, in my heart and on my table.  The plates and cups will be a beautiful and constant reminder of so many things. But, as I use them I will be able to take to heart my need for being content with what I have, and I am hopeful it will prompt me to be grateful for the ways He provides.

We kicked off our family’s celebration of Thanksgiving, by sharing Canadian Thanksgiving with my parents while they were visiting us last week.  Each place was set with our old-new dishes.  The table was almost radiant with gratefulness.  It couldn’t have been more perfect.

Thank you Heavenly Father for your continuing work in my life.   I pray that my heart will always glow with thankfulness and contentment that can only be found in You. amen.