For years we moved the boxes with us — the “good” dishes, the ones we got for our wedding. From Missouri to Wyoming, across the country to South Carolina, and finally back to Missouri.
First we stored them under the bed because the cabinets in our apartment were so small there was no place to put them.
After a few years, we liberated the dishes from their boxes when we graduated to a China hutch. Now the dishes were on permanent display.
And, because the dishes were finally accessible, we even managed to use them–occasionally. But only with guests.
Progress, I suppose.
When we moved this last time, the good dishes went back into the China hutch. But, each time we used them for entertaining, I had to wash all the pieces beforehand to get rid of the dust that collected there.
My pre-marital fantasies sure weren’t matching up with my post-marital reality.
One day I wondered about all those dishes gathering dust.
What if they didn’t gather dust? What if we used them?
What if our birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays were worth it?
What if our normal regular days were worth it, too?
The days when we’re tired from mowing the grass and eat frozen pizza on the dinner plates.
The mornings when we’re up early drinking our coffee from the cups.
The late nights when we’re snacking on a slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream because it’s the fall.
Those times are all worth it.
So use the good stuff.
All the time.
Every day.
All the days worth it.
Every. Single. One of Them.