“Reflecting on the Blessings of Life”
This past Sunday afternoon (Jan. 17) , I put out my collection of miniature glass animals that have had been packed away for at least three years. I started this collection the summer after Kindergarten when my family was vacationing in Ontario. At a gift store, they had a sale bin and I found a family of bone china tigers for $1. I have always been a big animal lover so after this first one the collection grew. I would get a set or two for Christmas and birthdays and perhaps one in my Easter basket. If someone traveled in my family they would bring a set back for me. I would save up money and try to buy some too. They were easy to find when I was a kid and inexpensive usually. I remember there was a set of giraffes at the green house for $7. That was way out of my price range. At that time you could get a lobster tail in a restaurant for $7.50.
As time went on, all the sets seemed to disappear. Stores didn’t carry them any more. Some companies continued to make individual animals but it wasn’t easy to make a set of three. Now they have reappeared at flea markets, antique stores and in on-line stores. I finally obtained a set of giraffes in my mid 30’s.
As I unpacked the animals I was flooded with memories of people that had given them to me. I can remember the exact store many of them were purchased and the exact occasion I received them. They were gifts from my parents, my Grandma Weeks, my brothers, childhood friends, Pam’s parents and aunt, adult friends, church members and my own children. Pam has helped me in the hunt at times.
I was pretty particular that I wanted a set of a family of three so sometimes when they were unavailable people would make up a set that really didn’t match. Those unmatched sets bring me such joy now because people loved me enough to try to make a set.
I continued to be overwhelmed by feelings of happiness, peace and gratitude as I continued to unpack the animals. I felt so fortunate for all the people I have known and the places I have had the opportunity to travel during my life. I gave thanks to God for each person that added to my collection and each place I was able to travel or a place a loved one had traveled.
The negative things that are happening in the world vanished as I had my own little bone chine utopia.
If you are ever down in the dumps or frustrated by life, count your blessings and relish in God’s goodness.
Even though, we go through tough times in our lives, hopefully we can come to the realization, “It has been a wonderful life” and give God thanks.
Blessings to all of you!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Scott Prouty
