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Friday 23 May 2014

Life Tastes Better Served on a Fancy Plate.

By Rose Dee

My favourite tea cup had a chip the size of a marble. It was time to trade it in for a newer model—that was when I first saw the Wedgwood cup. It was a delicate teacup with a swirly handle inlaid with an opulent blue and gold floral design. It was the perfect size and shape. I swear the tea tasted better in this new, pretty little cup.

There was only one problem in purchasing such an elegant object—it made all my other crockery look very ordinary indeed. But I had a set of expensive Old Country Roses china that had sat in my display cabinet since my wedding. I had always been worried about using them. They were for ‘good’—except the ‘good’ opportunities came and went through the years, and I would always forget to put out the ‘good’ china. It was time for a change, so out came the wedding china.

Now we relish every minute of our morning tea, enjoying our bikkies from beautiful rose-patterned plates. It doesn't matter that my husband sits in dirty work clothes, and I am generally in ordinary around-the-house attire.

It struck me today that that Wedgwood teacup, a very small addition to our lives, had actually triggered a wonderful awakening. If I hadn't realized how great it felt to eat from such lovely china, I would never have pulled that wedding present out of the cupboard. It would still be sitting behind glass doors collecting dust, year after year.

I began to think about how many times we keep our own inner talents hidden in the same manner. We hide them away, thinking that one day they will come out. One day we will sing that song; one day we will paint that picture; one day we will write that book. So many of us sit on these special talents until that ‘one day’ when we think we will finally use them.

Let me say today is that day. Do that one thing you have always wanted to do, because once you do, you can open up a whole world of new experiences and joy. You may still be like me and my hubby, enjoying a wonderful thing in the midst of a very ordinary existence, but the joy lies not in the measure of success, but in the enjoyment we gain and share with others.

Today is your day. Use that precious china – because if you don’t, it will be given to someone else for their enjoyment.

Matthew 25:28-29
'So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.'

Read the full story of the Talents: 

Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, was born in North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel, Back to Resolution.
Her novels are inspired by the love of her coastal home and desire to produce exciting and contemporary stories of faith for women.
Beyond Resolution, and A New Resolution are the second and third books in the Resolution series.
Rose’s debut novel Back to Resolution won Bookseller’s Choice at the CALEB Awards 2012. A New Resolution won the Fiction prize, CALEB 2013.
She has also released The Greenfield Legacy, a collaborative novel, written in conjunction with three other outstanding Australian authors.

Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle.
Visit Rose at: http://rosedee.com/



12 comments:

  1. Thanks, Rose! A great metaphor for using the gifts and abilities God has given us. I decided a few years ago to use anything special we had like your lovely rose china too--it feels good, doesn't it? God bless.

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  2. It sure does, Jo-Anne. I can't believe I wasted all those years without Old Country Roses china. Feels so good to use the wonderful things we have been given.

    Have a great day. xx Rose.

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  3. I use to do that to put everything locked away. Then I realize life is to short I need to enjoy them. If I don't I'm leaving them for someone else. I broke my favorite today so I now have one left. Time to hit resale shops to find me a new treasure to replace it. Your Country Rose pattern is beautiful, I enjoyed your blog.
    Love
    Diana

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    1. Hi Diana,

      Thank you so much for stopping by. I've always loved fine china. My Mum kept her's in a glass cabinet too. Must inspire her to get it out and use it more.

      xx Rose.

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  4. Beautiful post, Rose. I learned the lesson of not saving the 'good stuff' early in my marriage. But, it's been a lesson I've had to revisit many times since. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement to 'use it, or lose it.' :)

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    1. HI Dotti,

      And boy, can it be lost if you don't use it. Very important to keep the talents as sharp as possible.

      xx Rose

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  5. That's a fantastic way of looking at it, Rose. Good on you for getting out the good china. We learned a similar lesson once, when a friend gave us a whole lot of lovely boys designer jeans which looked as if they'd never been worn. It turned out they were her son's 'best' and he'd outgrown them. But tell me, do you still think the tea tastes better from the best china ?

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    1. Paula, it still tastes better. LOL. I know about the clothes. I am forever giving away Tully's 'good' clothes, but mostly because he has outgrown them so quick.

      xx Rose.

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  6. Rose, lovely post :) It can be too easy to hoard our talents and possessions for a day in the future that may never happen. My family has experienced a difficult week, with the sudden passing of a school friend's parent a few days ago. Life is fleeting. Your post is a great reminder of the value in living in the present, and making the most of each day.

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    1. That's sad news, Narelle. Both my sister and father were taken suddenly. I rejoice that they are with the Lord, but it's hard - that's for sure. Love to you and the family suffering this loss. Xxoo

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  7. Like the idea of using that special gift and also the analogy you drew from it, Rose.

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