thoughtful thursday

when younger, it was distressing to me if any of the items in the home, such as the furniture or dishes, were marred.  it seemed the only way for these items to be of value they had to remain pristine; perfect.  items didn't have to be expensive or rare, as that doesn't impress, however, they had to be nice.   as time passed and life brought children, pets and grandchildren, a discovery was made.  the dins, chips, scratches actually represented that the home (and what it contained) was lived in! as i look about my current home after fifteen years of living, i find the typical wear comforting instead of distressing.  there are stickers on windows, cupboard doors, in the closet courtesy of very wee grandchildren who thought stickers were the best ever and of course their grandmother would want them everywhere!  the front door frame is scuffed as are a few of the window sills.  evidence that the various dogs and kitties have been doing their dog and kitty thing; romping on the porch and using it as a chew toy, on hind legs with paws on the sill in order to look out the window or sitting in the sill to enjoy the view beyond the window for long periods of time.  the new teapot's spout was chipped slightly when my daughter was filling it with water. she was horrified and apologetic.  but every time i use that teapot (which i do daily), i look at that chip on the spout and think of her!  these are just a few of the many reminders that are present in a house that is lived in.  these reminders make a house a home; reminders of life lived that always bring a smile.