Tuesday, July 6, 2021

A Temporary Sense of Wealth

Silverware and Pink, Royal Albert, box at Mrs. White's parlour table.


It is rare to have luxuries in a frugal home.  In rural, Yankee, New England, we are in the habit of living simply and carefully.  We do not want to waste money on frivolity. We strive to be cautious and prudent.   Yet there are those rare, lovely times, when we are blessed with a gift that brings us happiness. 

This summer, as my wedding anniversary was approaching, one of my grown sons offered to give me a bit of money as a gift.  "What will you buy with this money?" He asked me.  He is also very careful with his own finances and wanted to make sure I used this gift in the manner in which he intended.  I quickly answered, "I will buy extra groceries with it." I was very thankful and loved the idea of adding inventory to our kitchen pantry. I am always wanting to stock up, to have what we need, in our rural, mountain village of Vermont.    My son did not agree with my idea for the use of this gift.  He told me, "No. This money is for you to buy something that you really want. We already have food money.  I want you to buy something for yourself."

It took me several days to think about this. What did I really want? What would be a luxury, bringing extra joy to my days?  I decided on two things:  A beautiful set of silverware, and a Royal Albert (old country roses) tea cup.   These are absolutely lovely and I enjoy them very much.  Yet, I was perfectly content with my old things. Now, with these special things, I feel a temporary sense of wealth. I said to my husband, "I feel like we are rich because of these things."  He shook his head. "No," he told me. "We are not rich. It's not that.  We are blessed."   What a difference in perspective! 

 It is not wealth or riches that we seek or feel. It is a sense of gratefulness to God, for each little gift and blessing that we receive. 


Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Four generations living in one house - Gracious Homemaking.

A Help and a Testimony, When we are in Need - Reviving the Prayer Journal

Happy, Old Fashioned Living - Summer Days with Small Children.

 






Find Home-keeping Inspiration, and Encouragement
 in Mrs.White's book -Mother's Book of Home Economics .  

Paperback, 312 pages. 

 

 

 

An Invitation - For more information, including how to Subscribe to "The Legacy of Home" by email,  Please visit the About page.



 

 

 

 

18 comments:

Deanna said...

Hello Mrs. White. Happy Anniversary! Wedding Anniversaries are a joy to celebrate life as a married couple. I'm so happy for you. Your thoughtful son has blessed you and your husband. You have a lovely keepsake to use and enjoy. God bless and all the best to you.

I emailed you.
d

Mary Ann said...

Happy anniversary to you and your husband. I enjoyed reading your post!!

Cate Nunan said...

Happy Wedding Anniversary to you and Mr.White. We certainly do sahre things in common as the Old Country Roses pattern is mine too. I have a set of tea cups which we were given and I also check the charity shops for items. I often find them and it is such a blessing to have an extra piece at a very low price. Thank you for sharing this moment of joy. What a kind son you have.

Blessings,

Cate Nunan

Linda said...

Dear Mrs White Happy Anniversary !! It's such a blessing to have a long marriage and to share not only children together but also grandchildren too. What a joy. I'm sure they celebrate with you. I agree with your son, what you purchased with the gift money was much more special than extra groceries and will have lasting memories that will one day be passed on to another generation. Thank you for sharing this special little story. Blessings to you ~ Linda

Unknown said...

Blessed. Yes, we have all the things God has provided for us.

1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

We are richly blessed. :)

Mama Said No said...

Happy Anniversary Dear Lady. I am coming up on my 25th year with my Beloved soon. Lovely post.

Amelia said...

Dear Mrs. White, This entry reminds me of the Sara Groves song: 'He's Always Been Faithful to Me'. God is so good, and I know you count the Blessings and Gifts He gives and that includes a wedding anniversary which is truly a blessing in this day and time! : ) We recently celebrated our 41st, it's hard to believe isn't it?

Your silverware is beautiful and also sweet, I love the pattern! It will be a treasured family heirloom I'm sure and every time you use these things you will think of your sweet, thoughtful son and also your wedding anniversary and God's faithfulness. So sweet! I think the teacup will be a lovely reminder as well, the pattern is timeless and I know you will enjoy it so much! : )

Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. White! God's blessings and with appreciation for your sweet blog, Love, ~Amelia

SIRVIENDO AL SEÑOR said...

FELIZ ANIVERSARIO SEÑOR Y SEÑORA WHITE, QUE DIOS AÑADA MAS Y MAS AÑOS JUNTOS POR SIEMPRE, HASTA QUE EL SEÑOR LOS LLAME A SU HOGAR ETERNO. ¿CUANTOS AÑOS HAN CUMPLIDO? JUNTO A MI ESPOSO, CUMPLIMOS 43 AÑOS DE CASADOS, EL 9 DE JUNIO PASADO, TODA UNA VIDA JUNTOS, SOMOS BENDECIDOS EN MUCHAS FORMAS, NO EN RIQUEZAS MATERIALES, SI EN RIQUEZAS ESPIRITUALES, MUCHOS HIJOS, MUCHOS NIETOS, UNA LARGA FAMIILIA EXTENDIDA, DIOS ES FIEL, EL SUPLE TODA NUESTRAS NECESIDADES, LA VIDA NO HA SIDO FACIL, DURANTE TODOS ESTOS AÑOS, HEMOS SUPERADO MUCHAS TORMENTAS, TIEMPOS DIFICILES, ALEGRES, TRISTEZAS, PERO SIEMPRE JUNTOS, HASTA QUE DIOS NOS LLAME A SU HOGAR. BENDICIONES.

Kim H said...

Every time you sip from that cup, or dine with those utensils, you will be reminded of your son’s love and kindness:). That’s a treasure! Marriage anniversaries are so special! The Lord is so good to us:).

Rose said...

Happy anniversary dear Mrs. White. I am so happy when I see a blog post from you! What a sweet and thoughtful son you have raised. Praise God for that!
The story behind those lovely items will be such a sweet one to pass on to your family.
I pray all is well with all of you!
God bless🌺

Elizabethd said...

What a lovely thoughful gift your son gave you. Memories are better than money!

Leslie McKinley said...

Happy Anniversary! We celebrated our 24th anniversary last month. My mother sent us money for something special. Well, I purchased your book, Mother's Book of Home Economics. It arrived yesterday! Already enjoying it!
Blessings, Leslie

Linda said...

Happy Anniversary to you Mr.and Mrs. White.

Billie Jo said...

Happy Anniversary to a wonderful woman who inspires me every time I visit. Please keep writing!

Jo said...

Happy Anniversary! You are truly blessed.
The silverware is beautiful and I hope you will show us the teacup in a future post.

Patti said...

Happy anniversary to you and the Mister! What number was this? My husband and I celebrated our 35th back in February. How sweet that your son wanted to do something special for YOU, rather than just adding food to the pantry. And the items you chose to buy will bless your family as well, since they will be eating meals using that silverware.

Blessings,
Patti @ Leaving a Legacy

Kayla James said...

I did not know how else to contact you. I was recommended your blog and love it.
I am so confused though. I would like to be a homemaker, but I feel that I don’t fit in.
I am blind, unmarried, and live at home but it is not a Christian one. I also want to write and love writing fiction. Is that wrong.
I plan to try your Bible plan. I hope you can see this.

Unknown said...

Hello,Mrs.WHite,this is my first time on your blog,and I really enjoy reading. I am unmarried but I am trying to gain domestic skills while working. My Mother suggested looking up 'Crowned With Silver' and I found you through that search.