Friday, August 19, 2011

Used

When we say the words thrifting or thrifted it sounds like we have a fun find that is just not brand new! But, think about the word used. It doesn't really hold the same meaning does it?

Recently I found something I'd made at a thrift store. I bought it just to sort of preserve my dignity and because it was something I'd enjoy using in my home. I completely understand the need to get rid of things and when I give a gift - I consider it a gift. Yours to do with whatever you choose.

But, I will admit that to see something I put time, care, energy and love into at the thrift store was humbling. And, it reminded me also of times we can feel used.

Used up.

Worn out.

Treated unfairly.

Unappreciated.

We want to feel needed and useful, but not used.

Just as I picked up that homemade goodie and brought it home for a second life - do we look to offer that same feeling or chance to the dear ones around us? To ourselves? Is there someone near you who needs a boost towards a new chance at beauty and usefulness? Are we using anyone else for our own benefit when we could be serving or encouraging?

No specific examples to share - just thoughts from heart today. Let someone know that you haven't given up on them, haven't tossed them out, are willing to bring them home for another chance at life. And, if you need to hear that today - read it to yourself from me right now.

God has not given up on you. He will never toss you out for something new or different. He sees you as useful and beautiful and precious in His sight. Now, pass that on to someone else!

***

Photos: beauty from a friend's garden - what a gift!

17 comments:

LynnMarie said...

Yes, tell someone you love them and why today, while there are still with you. I'm going to a furneal today, no more chances to tell them I love them.

Lona Pritchett said...

So sweet and so well written. You, My dear friend, are such a treasure. Thank you for sharing your heart!!

asnipofgoodness said...

Beautiful flowers, and a beautiful post Monica! Sometimes I do feel used,and unappreciated, I'm sure most Mommas do sometimes. What you said about helping others to feel useful was a great reminder to me. You are so right, we all want to feel needed.

Anonymous said...

I so love the used. One way God expands what He has already blessed us with.
Monica,
I wanted to let you and your readers know that I am giving away Suzanne Woods Fisher's newest book, "Amish Values for Your Family. If you would like to enter, just pop on over. Thanks for entering!
Ruth

Brenda said...

Reminds me of children's story I used in children's ministries often: The story of the little boy who made a boat so lovingly and set it to sail in a river. The boat was lost and he was so sad. Later he saw the boat in the window of a local pawn shop. The story illustrates to us how our Heavenly Father so carefully and lovingly made us...we were lost in sin....and He purchased us back {purchased our redemption}. Twice bought!!

Leanne said...

this post really touched my heart, Monica...it was a hard week sending my oldest to FIRST GRADE...ALL DAY...all that love poured in...
I layed with his sleepy little head last night...and cried as he fell asleep.. this week has definitely worn me out☺ thanks for sharing your heart!

Amy Sue said...

Thank you for the poignant thought. Love reading your blog.

Echoes From the Hill said...

It's hard to put your creativity and love into a gift, and not have it appreciated. However, maybe it was meant to come back to you. It is a reminder that we can't please everyone, no matter how hard we try.
I love to buy "rejeced" gifts. My favorite is cross-stitch pictures. I have purchased at least six at Goodwill. It makes me sad to think that someone spent so many hours and money creating something special, and the recepient obviously didn't appreciate it. Some are professionally framed. They make me happy and I have given some away to others who love them. So, these gifts might not make the recepients happy, but they have made someone else happy!
Enjoy the "recycled" gift. If you are like one of my family members, you make things for other people, and neglect yourself.

Kathy said...

I am sorry you were hurt...thank you for sharing with us. Sometimes the authors of blogs seem so perfect, and I am so imperfect...

Anonymous said...

I found your blog today. What a blessing. When I come across handmades in the thrift like cross stitched pictures I want to buy them all - I know the hard work put into them.. I am so glad I found your blog great to meet a new friend! Your header is beautiful by the way.. love the mason jars and rocking chairs :)

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

This was so graciously written. I love your thoughts here...

I needed to read these thoughts here. Thank you!!

Michelle said...

I so needed to read this today. I'm feeling very used and unappreciated in what used to be a very close relationship... it's an awful feeling. :(

Mom said...

This post really touched my heart, too, dearest Monica. I couldn't even leave a comment right away. And even thought I know, like me, you give a gift without strings attached, it still stings a bit to know that something you made or purchased with care for someone was tossed aside. But I love how you turned this into a lesson and reminder for all of us. :) Well put! Love you lots, Mom
PS: The flowers are gorgeous!

Betsy said...

As always, simply lovely thoughts, well expressed!

Davonne said...

I second all of the above comments. And I am ashamed to admit that I have often been the one who has not treasured the time and energy others have put into things for me, whether gifts or services.

This post was very humbling to me because I know that I very well could have been the one to drop off a gift at a thrift store that the giver may have found.

My intent has not been to hurt the giver, but I really struggle with keeping my home clean and organized. I cannot have very many things here or my possessions tend to take over the house, which leaves me feeling very disorganized and stressed out.

I have spent much time pondering your post since I read it yesterday morning and I really appreciate the honesty and graciousness you put into it. You have given me a lot to think about.

Shannon said...

Monica - You are so gracious! Thank you for this lovely post...I am feeling very used up at the end of this busy week. Your post was a sweet reminder.

Anonymous said...

We have a very small house and my dh dislikes "clutter". Whether it is book, clothes or nicknacks - when something new comes in sometimes the older needs to go out. When my dd was small my MIL made a cute little outfit for her - but once it was outgrown I couldn't keep it due to lack of space (some clothing I have kept but can't keep it all) so I donated it to the thrift store. One day I saw it hanging up there ;) But it doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy and appreciate it while it was in my home - now it is passed along to someone else who can enjoy my MIL's labors of love.

One thing also to remember is that even when we put a lot of thought or work into a gift and think it is perfect - it doesn't mean the recipient will agree (differences in taste)...back to my MIL she also made an outfit for my ds that was not so adorable. The fabric used was much more appropriate for a girl and the style was more appropriate for the 70's (but not in a nice retro way) - surely I did not need to have my son wear it more than once or twice and there was no need for me to hold onto it forever.