More Than Enough
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Recently one of my granddaughters suggested in her daily blog that readers pick something small and special they absolutely HAVE to have and then indulge themselves by purchasing more than enough as a way to soothe and comfort themselves and let go of the worry that they will run out.
I took a moment to think about this and here is the response I sent to her:
Yesterday I received my order from Amazon of an abundance (24) of tea light candles because each morning I light one in memory of and gratitude for Charles, my parents, and my sister June and her husband Harry, all now deceased. I was down to my last one (each one lasts about a week of lighting for a couple of minutes a day) and I didn’t want to run out.
I also like to have more books on hand than I can read in a month. Currently I have four cozy mysteries and two novels on my kindle—as yet unread, and three hardbacks ready to read!
These are my two indulgences. I have a minimal wardrobe, few pairs of shoes, and just enough food in my fridge for a few days—but the things I mentioned above I must have an abundance of.
I also realized while thinking about this that I crave and must have an abundance of silence in my life. When I’m in a noisy room I can’t wait to escape. When I’ve spoken or listened to too many I find myself eager to close my lips and be quiet. And God reminds us in Scripture to be still and know that he is God. (Psalm 46:10) So I guess that’s what God wants for me too!
What an interesting process this was. How about you? Is there anything in your life that you like to have plenty of on hand so you won’t fear running out?
P.S. I can never have too much love from or for my one and only son, Jim. HAPPY BIRTHDAY today my dear son and friend. You are a treasure in my life.
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Like you, I can never have too many books. I hate to read on e-readers so I get lots from the library each week. If I finish all of those I re-read the ones on my bookcases.
Cool, Janet. I see we are kindred spirits when it comes to reading as well as writing.
loved your candle lighting ritual, Karen. So sweet.
Thanks, Heidi. I have really love this little tradition I’ve created.
I too, love your candle lighting ritual. What a wonderful tribute to those you love that are now in a better place. I don’t ‘over stock’ on things I purchase but I do “overkeep” if there is such a word! I have three close friends who create their own greeting cards and they are constantly mailing me cards that are so beautiful that I cannot throw them away. I still have several of my 90th birthday cards and other special cards and should just get rid of them but my wonderful daughter keeps telling me: ” Mom, if re-reading those cards bring you pleasure just keep them.” I tell her I don’t want her to have to dear with them after I leave Planet Earth, but she promises me she will not have a problem tossing them when I am no longer with them. Such a thoughtful laughter, however, is she makes the mistake of reading the cards I think she will have a poblem tossing them too!! Such is life. Whether we “overbuy” or overkeep” I say, just enjoy these things while we can and be thankful. May God bless you and keep you safe and happy!
Love, Margaret
I enjoyed your blog Karen! We recently moved and I am once again facing the question of our material “things” collections. I also love an overabundance of books-however, I realized that if you have too many some do not get read! I love silence too- being alone in our house is refreshing especially with the TV turned off! Also, since me moved into our house slowly I realized I like uncluttered spaces so I am trying to downsize the “things” collection, including the books! I’m wondering what novels you currently have on your kindle- I’m always looking for fiction recommends from Christian women!
Hi Angela. Thanks for your comment. I’ll send you a list by email of some of the books I’ve read or have ready to read. I like to keep some on my kindle because then there is no clutter on my book shelves.
Thanks, Margaret. I love hearing about all the beautiful cards you have to enjoy over and over again.
P.S. My fingers sure did hit lots of wrong keys tonight! I must be more sleepy than I thought!
I HAVE to laugh! More love M.M.
And I posted my first comment to you in the wrong place. So we’re both a bit ditzy–no worries. 🙂
I have to have an audiobook to listen to while I go for a walk. It keeps my mind off of the exercise and on the story. The hour flies by! 🙂 I try not to have too much of a “good thing” because then it might become an obsession. My motto is “everything in moderation.” Helps me not feel deprived. haha (Yes, that includes what I eat too!) I
Thanks for sharing your experience, Sherry. My girls like audio books too but I prefer to read on Kindle. Either way we all get to enjoy some great books.