THE KITCHEN SINK
“I don’t mind doing dishes as much here as I do at home,” she said. I hadn’t considered it, but after she said it, I ran it around my noggin for a few moments and responded, “Yeah, I don’t either now that you mention it – I’m not sure why? My youngest was ready to enlighten me. “It’s because you can see out the window here.”
“We have windows at home too?” I rallied.
“Maybe it’s just that the view is better?”
“Yeah, probably – look at those queen palms – look how big they are.”
“Mmm-Hmm.” She agreed.
Although my daughter thought we’d solved the mystery, I knew there was more to the story. We have queen palms, bougainvilleas, yellow bells, and bright potted flowers that my little one used to help me plant… (preteen era) No – there was more to be discovered.
The possibility that we were out of town on Spring Break crossed my mind, but I knew there was still more… a truth I don’t like to admit. A lesson I’ve learned over and over but still struggle to grasp and master, like a kid not being able to keep his hand out of the cookie jar.
I’ve spoken and written of this truth as if I’ve mastered it and have one of the few and rare keys to this sacred vault. People that know truths but can’t live them consistently are better off keeping their mouths zipped and the imaginary key tossed out into the yard.
That’s why I didn’t share with my daughter what had dawned on me again; less is more…
It’s a tough concept for our physical senses to let our minds grasp. Society tells us every day that we need more… “If some is good, more is better,” and I’ve lived most of my life by that ignorant mantra. I knew the old place we were in for our daughter’s Spring Break was a smaller cozier place than she’s used to.
The low ceilings and the kitchen sink butted right up against the outside wall with a small window dead centered over it did more than get her closer to the outside world, it satisfied a simple desire in her that the deceitful world hasn’t stripped from her innocence yet; we don’t need mansions of glory to satisfy our soul.
We can be content with less if we have contentment from God within us. There’s nothing wrong with the finer things in life, it just seems to make it harder to stay humble when surrounded by things that tend to make us forget that the most treasured of things in this world can’t be seen or measured.
It’s not my specialty, not many things are in and around a kitchen unless I’m building it… but I enjoyed those queen palms the next day as I was doing dishes in that old place. Not a bad place to be; in front of that old kitchen sink… kinda brought life into proper view…
Now, the tough part of keeping that focus…
Barb Raveling
Sunday, May 26, 2013 @ 6:46 pm
One of the best summers I ever had was a summer my husband and I sublet a two bedroom apartment in Bozeman, MT with our first two kids, ages 1 and 4. Every day my husband would go to work, and the kids and I would get up and say, “Where shall we walk today?” Life was simple because we had no belongings and no projects. My best pre-marriage summer was working at a backpacking camp where we had almost no belongings. I love the simple life. No taking care of things. Plenty of time to focus on people. No stress from unfinished jobs and projects. Now if I could just make regular life more like that. I maybe could – but it would take a lot of work!
Floyd
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 1:46 pm
Isn’t it crazy how we willfully trade or spend our happiness? We humans… Sheesh…. Love the stories, Barb, and yes! It would take a ton of work to get out from underneath the stuff that we’ve become slaves to!
Mike
Sunday, May 26, 2013 @ 7:13 pm
You make a very good point. Being grateful for what you have, and learning to appreciate the simpler things in life is what’s important. I always appreciate your perspective on things. Life for me has been rather crazy lately with starting a new job, and my baby getting married in just one week from now. I’m feeling old, but very grateful the the simple things. Thanks for helping me remember that.
Floyd
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 1:50 pm
Congratulations, Mike! I get the feeling old part, but I know you’re a proud dad, as well you should be. I think we all need to remind each other of the important things in life more often… I seem to forget so easily… Who says wisdom comes with age! Thanks, Mike.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, May 26, 2013 @ 7:17 pm
This post brings back memories of a time I went with a family to the beach. I wiped the table, did the dishes, and it was fun perhaps because I was bored and this was not home for me. Just being somewhere else with a different window view, different dishes and new surroundings does change our attitude.
While “camping out” might be fun for awhile, we must come back into our real world and get down to the business of our every day doings where there are real requirements and responsibilities. I can do simple – but I also enjoy my comfort.
Floyd
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 1:52 pm
I hear you, Hazel! You know how to bring a proper perspective to any subject! Most of us spend so much time knitting together complicated lifestyles that end up owning us. Too much stuff is a distraction. Thanks, Hazel.
Dan Erickson
Sunday, May 26, 2013 @ 7:24 pm
I’m a big fan of minimalism. I rent a 650 square foot house. I’m considering buying a house and I’m looking at 1000 sq. footers. But I will admit, there are some bigger ones that appeal to me.
Floyd
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 1:55 pm
Yup! And the bigger they are and the more bells and whistles they have, the more the headaches! I find myself as I get older to want to get simpler, I guess that’s natural. Good for you on looking for a new house. Have fun! Just make sure the kitchen sink is on the back wall with a window in front of it! Thanks, Dan.
Dan Black
Sunday, May 26, 2013 @ 8:39 pm
I constantly struggle with being content with what God has blessed me with. He has blessed me with so many wonderful things that I sometimes take for granted what he has given me due to desiring and pursing more. I think it’s the achiever strength within me that drives me to accomplish more and to do great things. I just want to make sure I’m pursing more of what God wants to give me (which is alined with my purpose) rather than what I think I need.
Great thoughts!
Floyd
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 1:56 pm
I get that, Dan. As you know, I’m the same way! It’s a hard trait to bridle sometimes and you’re spot on with the answer… Thank you for that reminder.
Voni Harris
Sunday, May 26, 2013 @ 9:58 pm
Excellent post, Floyd! Being intentional–there in the moment–makes life so much deeper and richer, I think, because it focuses life down to those simple things that bring us joy.
Not happiness.
Now I’ll shut up, too, since I am so poor at living this piece of wisdom.
Blessings!
Voni
Floyd
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 1:58 pm
Thanks, Voni. You know what they say about misery loving company! I don’t do it often enough, but God has a way of slowing us down, doesn’t He?
Mia
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 5:12 am
Dear Floyd
Oh, my friend, the day when that becomes a reality in one’s life is truly a blessed day indeed!!! Nothing and no one on this earth can fill our heart’s of hearts that was created to be filled by only our Pappa God. Humankind tries so many different things to still that longing, but they are never fulfilled. And when we think that we have now truly arrived, we find the Jones’ next door with so much better, so much more etc., etc., etc! And off we go again chasing after fools gold! Well, I need to be off to the kitchen sink right now, otherwise hubbie will not be too happy when he gets back fom work!
Gid bless you, dear Floyd
Mia
Floyd
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 2:01 pm
Well said, Mia. “Fool’s gold” is spot on! It’s like we’re being hypnotized by a swinging watch! You’re right; the way we were designed can’t be filled with “stuff” to bring us peace and joy… that only comes from our Father. Enjoy the view out of your kitchen sink, Mia! Thanks. You always have a proper “focus”.
Betty Draper
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 7:36 am
If we can enjoy the moments no matter where it is we have found a treasure here on earth. Not sure but I wonder if this is some of what God is taking about when he tell us to redeem the time. Good post my brother.
Floyd
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 2:04 pm
Ooooo. Good call, Betty. The greatest treasures are the ones that we can’t measure by any means of numbers… Pretty sure our Father had that part figured out… sure wish it was easier for us too! Thanks, Betty.
Hazel Moon
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 4:03 pm
Thanks for entering your post at Tell Me a Story – – I did not notice the nursery Photo wss Moon Nursery. Nice trees
Floyd
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 6:04 pm
Thanks for letting me be part of your wonderful blog hop, Hazel! And yes, those are gorgeous, queen palms have always been my favorite tree since I was a kid.
Ngina Otiende
Monday, May 27, 2013 @ 6:28 pm
I really love this statement Floyd (it’s left a big “ouch!” in it’s wake) “People that know truths but can’t live them consistently are better off keeping their mouths zipped and the imaginary key tossed out into the yard.”
After a Sunday message this past week, I saw the depths of my “preach water, drink wine” (just a phrase, i don’t drink : ) tendencies. in the sense that I tend to go easy on myself when i don’t live up to the standards i talk about, i easily excuse myself and have all sorts of reasons. But not when someone else falls short, am pretty quick and judgmental.
Your post has helped me think more on this :), thanks for sharing these thoughts.
Floyd
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 7:06 am
You’re welcome, Ngina, and don’t feel like the Lone Ranger, as you know, this was me reminding myself of that very issue. As long as we’re striving in our hearts to honor God in all ways, He is pleased I think. Thanks, Ngina.
Jillie
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 6:32 am
Hi Floyd. Allow me to tell you a story. When my husband and I were married 1 year, we had the opportunity to buy his brother’s house. We didn’t think we’d ever ‘own’ a house, so we jumped at the chance. We moved in late October, 1978. On the 15th of November, we suffered a house fire! Took the entire interior and left the shell of the exterior. All gone! We moved ourselves, for that is all we had, into a nearby apartment while contractors went to work. So many people helped us, offering clothing, furniture, money collected for us. We were grateful for anything that came our way. We had the puniest Charlie Brown Christmas tree that year, with only a few tiny gifts beneath. We were in that apartment for over 3 months…and it was the HAPPIEST, MOST CONTENTED time of our marriage. We had only each other, and it was GREAT! We were young and ‘foolish’, getting by with only the bare essentials. Closer to one another than we’ve ever been. We were SO close, that our son was conceived during that time—sorry, didn’t mean to get so personal. :]
Here we are, some 34 years later, still in the same house, with so much JUNK, it’s sometimes depressing. I would move in a shot, but I would dread beyond belief to pack it all up and take it with me. A serious ‘downsizing’ is in order! I often ask myself, “Why, oh why, are we so taken with the temporal?” “Why do our eyes glaze over at the sight of the latest gadget we ‘think’ will add to our existence here?” I am surrounded and engulfed by it all. I’m aspiring to minimalism. It IS the better and higher road to take, yes?
Floyd
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 7:13 am
That’s a great story, Jillie. You know that real life stories is how we learn the most. We are like fish; we see the shiny fishing lures and bite – thinking we have to have what carries us away to destruction. That’s how the enemy works – he’s like the magician swinging the gold watch to hypnotize us. It is better to take the high road and to see this life for what it is. You’re not alone, Jillie! Thanks for sharing that story – that will preach!
David Sparks
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 9:54 am
It seems as though we forget, or are ignorant of the fact that acquiring more and more things requires more and more of us. It requires our time, it requires our effort, our energy. Then we stop and look and wonder why – what was it for? To what purpose to what end? Great thoughts Floyd.
Floyd
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 5:40 pm
Wells said, David. That sums it quite well! “What was it for?” Man, that’s the last thing I want to say about my life… Thanks, David.
David
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 12:59 pm
The sad thing for so many of us is we don’t realize that less is more until we have more. We tend to acquire stuff as a by-product of the “American Dream” because we CAN, not necessarily because we NEED to. Worse yet, we often “charge it” when we acquire it and have to pay for it later. Not to mention the fact, that when we acquire it, we have to maintain it which costs more still. Whew, the stress and the worry aren’t worth it. I know ’cause I’m livin’ it.
That said, I wonder if the modern definition of “American Dream” is different than the “American Dream” those who emigrated here had. I don’t think that most of them were concerned with the biggest house, a boarding house apartment at the coast, or a 3-wagon barn with 3 sets of horses to choose from depending on the “posh-ness” of the affair or the work to be done. Heck, the only affairs often available then might have been a church social, a land clearing “party” or a barn raising get together to help the new neighbor a morning’s ride away get started on their humble dream. Happy to trade their labor for a meal and the building of community. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure it was hard work but I’m betting it was fulfilling.
I think I like the old idea better than the new one …..
Floyd
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 5:51 pm
Home run, David! Man, you hit the nail on the head! I too am living that life that I thought would bring peace and joy. What it actually brought was a train load of grief… The things we set out to own end up owning us… It’s crazy! “The sad thing for so many of us is we don’t realize that less is more until we have more.” Well said. I know it’s part of your reality because you define it with precision.
I’m also with you on the gratification from doing and helping build dreams for everyone, not just ourselves… a win/win way of life is all but gone. Excellent points, David. Man, we could solve the world problems over a cup of Joe, brother…
tcavey
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 2:29 pm
This reminds me of what my mom told me a few years back. I grew up in a small OLD farm house. It used to depress my mom how it looked- even after she cleaned, it would still look “old”. There were stains that could never be washed out, floors that showed it’s almost 100 year age and sinks that were always yellow with age.
A few months before my dad died, God blessed him with being able to build mom’s “dream house”. That dream house was nice, though modest for most.
After mom got her new house she said she missed her old one. I couldn’t understand, I thought she’d hated that house.
She said she did…back then. It was because she didn’t appreciate it. That old house had all our memories in it, not the new house.
Shiny isn’t always better.
Floyd
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 5:55 pm
That’s a great lesson, TC. The love shared and the lives lived are the things of value, not the real estate. Shiny appeals to us like fishing lures do the dumb and hungry fish that give up their lives for that bite of the good life… Thanks, TC. I always enjoy hearing about your family and memories, I can picture my parents in the same shoes…
tcavey
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 @ 12:52 pm
Since we are so similar, I’m sure our parents are/were as well.
Floyd
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 @ 5:36 pm
Well, that does make perfect sense now doesn’t it? Showoff!
Hazel Moon
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 @ 7:15 pm
Message to TC: Those old houses did have a lot of memories. By the way, Smashwords does require a free account to access books.
tcavey
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 @ 12:51 pm
Thanks, Hazel! I’ll have to create an account!
David Rupert
Wednesday, June 5, 2013 @ 7:03 am
Cleaning out my parents’ home after their passing has opened my eyes. The things that they thought were so important as ‘memorabilia’ isnt so important to me. So much of it was simply more ‘stuff’ to give away. In the end, I kept a couple of tubs to rembmer and pass on myself. And that’s it.
stu
Floyd
Thursday, June 6, 2013 @ 7:35 am
That generation had so little that they seem to hang onto all that they can. I’m with you, it’s not the stuff, it’s the people and the time and love shared that is cherished. The pictures, favorite books, the things that spark our memories is the real treasure. Thanks, David.
Nancy
Wednesday, June 5, 2013 @ 9:20 am
We have organized our lives to live much more simply….Life has enough complications and I want to be more available to be INSTANT in season. We have purposely changed a LOT of things in how we live so that we are less and less ties to the things of this world…..ie: Disconnecting cable soon. Learning to live differently, eat differently – it’s all a journey. You are so right, we “Don’t need mansion of glory to satisfy our souls.” Only Jesus…Only Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for what I have. I need more now, so that I can share. By the way, I loved the part about “keeping our mouths zipped” LOL! LOL!
Floyd
Thursday, June 6, 2013 @ 7:43 am
The simple life is under appreciated in our culture. The enemy uses a complicated life to distract us and destroy us. I too am thankful for what He provides. I have to remind myself to worship the Provider, not the provision. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished I would have kept my mouth shut! Thanks, Nancy!
Loren Pinilis
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 5:23 pm
Moments like that are really helpful to remind us of what’s truly important. Vacations are good for that!
Floyd
Tuesday, June 11, 2013 @ 8:52 am
I didn’t think of it like that, but you’re right; vacations do give us time to reflect and ponder… Maybe I should get more of them?! Thanks, Loren.