Loving in spite of imperfection

Happy Valentine's Day. I've been thinking about my loves (my darling family), and that made me think of our kitchen table.

A few years ago I refinished my old 1990s table with a beautiful coat of purple and dark brown paint.

Boy did it turn out great. See?

It looks sleek and glamorous and chic (IMHO). We refinished the table in November of 2008 and I’m still thrilled with it.

I was cleaning off the table yesterday and couldn’t help but notice how smudged and scratched it had gotten. It’s been rubbed up.

Surprisingly, it doesn’t bother me one bit. All the scratches and marks were from sharing meals and living life with my family over the same table that we’ve gathered around for more than 18 years.

So here’s the thing: sometimes life’s messy. In the give-and-take of living we rub up against one another. I’m not saying that’s necessarily a bad thing. It’s wonderful when family and friends step in to give you the perfect piece of advice or offer a cautionary word. I think that kind of rubbing has a polishing effect. And sometimes when we're all rubbed up, the best thing is to love in spite of the rough parts.

My table illustrated that fact to me. It’s scuffed and scratched, but still beautiful because it’s my sturdy, reliable table. I hope that the scuffed and scratched me is still as appealing to my loved ones, and I know that those I care for aren’t any less valuable because of their scuffs and scratches.

Sometimes life’s messy and we get a bit scuffed up, but that's okay. Scuff marks just add character.

I wish you love and peace today, friends!