The Coffee Table Lesson...

As we age and grow we learn life lessons from many people along the way......Friends, relatives and sometimes complete strangers. Our parents are usually the ones that start our voyage and teach us what they can, and then in turn we pass on those lessons to our children.

Sometimes life can be a struggle and we get bogged down in the sad, and the bad and the painful and the busy. Then our children get to be the teachers. What a wonderful way to see what they have learned......and that is what my story is about.

This is my coffee table. It is over 20 years old.

When my husband Keith and I bought it we wanted sturdy solid wood that would stand the test of time. That when it was marked up and had to be replaced, we could instead sand it and refinish it. Well the that time has come. If you look closely you will see it is pitted and marked, and has 20 years of scars on it.  And these pictures really don't show how bad it really is.The coffee table along with the side table have been given to my son Cody. They were something he wanted because of the history of the pieces. I asked him recently if we could have my friend refinish them for us. Being a woman I of course wanted them to be pretty and redone to match our new sofa. And this is what he said....

Mom do you know how many hours of my childhood was spent playing at that coffee table. Myself, an assortment of friends and my cousins, Erika, A.J, Skylar and Jatem spent so much time sitting there coloring, playing board games, and having snacks while watching cartoons when we were little. All of those marks are a part of or a memory of my childhood....I don't want to refinish it or paint it. I want it just the way it is......OK...insert a lot of my tears here....wow....did he tell me or what!! Glad we bought solid wood. These tables will be around forever!!

Then there is Nicole, she is  the one that reminded me that we need to look at our lives and only do what is important to us. Don't sweat all the little things. Surround yourself with people you love and that love you back. People that uplift you and bring meaning, and joy to your life. If you feel a friendship or relationship of any kind is always in constant need of repair, and makes you feel like you are always walking on egg shells then let it go. Life is too short to be sad, or mad. Life is to be enjoyed. Yes, be polite, be an adult and of course we all have to do some things we don't like....that is life. But when you have a choice, choose what makes you happy and who makes you happy.

And Natalie, ohhhhh  sweetie how you have taught me about fear. That fear will always come knocking, but we don't have to answer the door. You taught me that even when the shaking in your freaking boots kind of fear shows its ugly head we can push through it. I know there were days when you were in the academy you wanted to quit....but you didn't. There was fear of failure, and fear of old memories coming to life...but you pushed through and come out on the other side with a renewed sense of self. I am sooo proud of her. Fear is one of my biggest struggles.

My son in law Tbone (yep...he is one of my kids as well) has reminded me that we are all just doing the best we can. We each have our own unique struggles......we are no better or no worse than the next person. We are all children of God. He loves us no matter what church we go to, or what mistakes we make along our way. His love is pure and his love is there for EVERYONE!

I have no words to express how proud I am of my children. Each of them is on their own life journey with all the joys and pitfalls that come with it. But I can see that they each have what they need to make it. Life is a constant class room and we will find all kinds of teachers along the way. For the lesson that my children taught me......I am FOREVER grateful.

Nicole, Tbone, Natalie and Cody.....I love you with all my heart.