I love vintage things. Heirlooms. Heritage treasures. Handmade pieces. Up-cycled items. My home (a “vintage” log cabin itself) is full of these types of things. They grace random nooks and crannies in every room. And there’s a story behind each one of them.
History fascinates me. There is something precious about an object or a person that has been through enough living to have a story to tell. I believe the most profound lessons a person can learn are gleaned through the narratives of the past.
But sometimes history is just fun.
This is my spice shelf in the kitchen. It holds all the spices and dried food items that I use in my daily cooking. It also houses some antique butter molds, glass candlesticks, my recipe box, my homemade jams, and my cache of seeds from heirloom tomato plants. It was crafted from old Arm and Hammer crates, as you can see from the Arm and Hammer painted logo that appears on it in several places.
We bought this unusual artifact at an antique store where it was being used to display old odd bric-a-brac. It wasn’t really “for sale,” but my husband talked the store manager into emptying the shelves and putting a price on it. The manager didn’t see much value in the old shelves. His price, fortunately for us, was not a high one. But one person’s “junk” is another person’s prize. To me, this old shelf is a gem.
One of the shelves now displays an adorable bust of a quirky black cow. I got this unique girl in a package that arrived on my birthday this year. There was a note enclosed explaining that it was bought by a sweet friend of mine as she was perusing though a collection of other “previously owned” items.
I don’t know what history this cow has from her previous owner. I can’t even figure what her original purpose might have been. But I know what history and what purpose she will carry with her as she lives the rest of her days at Kirkhaven. She will tell the story of old friendships, thoughtful gestures, and sweet kindnesses.
I have named her KJ.
She makes me smile.
Every day.
Thank you, Kathy Jack, for your friendship. And for your thoughtfulness. Your generous heart is part of my life’s history of abundant blessing and goodness.
Hey y'all . . .
Do the small things.
The things you aren’t even sure will be appreciated.
Do them when you get a chance.
Do them anyway.
Investing your heart in thoughtfulness is never wasteful.
When you give away kindness, you are taking hold of that which is life indeed.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
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