People or Things

Should be an easy choice right?

What do I choose?

I have seen this one lived out before my eyes most notably by more mature people. The one I think of particularly is my grandma. Maybe it is a perspective that you gain as you age (although sometimes not), but a perspective that you can learn to take and appreciate before the older years. I've thought about it before and this is my conclusion...those with silver in their hair have figured out that they will not take their "things" with them. Whether that be those pretty breakable statues, carpeting, furniture, cars...whatever it stays. The children and grandchildren get to figure out what to do with it, but what the children and grandchildren really get is that legacy of how much they were loved...not how important the "things" were--hopefully!

What am I thinking of?? Well, all of those time in childhood clumsiness or accident the carpet gets wet on or something gets broken. How about when the little ones pick the special flowers from the garden? I have seen all of the above mentioned things happen and the reaction was the same each and every time...it doesn't matter...it's just a thing. I'm not referring to acts of disobedience or vandalism here so I think you get the point.

While we try to keep the "things" entrusted to us nice, I always try to remember "it's just a thing". These "things" don't love me back or talk to me or eat dinner with me. Believe me, sometimes its hard when that piece of "new & perfect" furniture gets blemished. It's just a thing.

The other thing I take away from this is how much time do I spend acquiring and looking after "things"? I can fill my home with "things" and be as empty as a dark black hole. If I fill my home with love and fun memories, I am as rich as can be! Will my children remember me for the fun things we did together or how wrapped up I was with all of my "stuff"?
Some of the happiest people I have ever seen are those with the fewest things. After all...things don't love you back!

All of that said, we do our best to teach our children to respect others things and property. Treat others the way we want to be treated.

Along the way, I have made at least some progress in the "it's just a thing" mentality, but it is something I do have to remind myself!