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Written by Lynne Fister
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 02:05 |
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If this old cabinet can speak The old china cabinet and hutch set we have at home is at least 20 years old. I am not really a fan of display cabinets. I would rather keep dinnerware in a neat stack inside a cabinet. But I have to make an exception. Whenever I look at this one, I become sentimental. There is just so much history and love etched in this one. My in-laws encouraged me to get it. It’s not just aesthetic to me. It’s a tangible part of my husband’s past. Am glad I agreed.
This cabinet has been with Lito’s family since the 80’s, I would imagine. In the old place where they lived, back in Mt Rainier MD, it was close to the stove where all the frying and cooking took place. Even up to now, when I open one of the drawers, I can still smell the fish oil. Smile. But there was more than frying that took place in their home. Lots of love and laughter where daily cooking in that household.
If this cabinet can speak, it would share lots of wonderful memories that would fill its drawers and cabinets. If this cabinet can speak, it would share the ups and downs of raising a family in a new country.
If this cabinet can speak, it would also share the many dishes cooked with love that Nanay prepared for her family. Eggroll. Monggo. Escabeche. And buro (a Pangasinan native dish).
I wonder though, what this cabinet will say now that it is in a new home. It would certainly not complain about danggit or tuyo. Or perhaps it will. Smile again. But will it also share about the love in our home; about how this household looks after each other?
What are the things that the walls of your home will speak about you? What life experiences will we etch in our children’s memories? Women have a central role in the family. Day in and day out, the mood of the mother sets the tone for the entire family. A happy or tense mom affects everyone in the household, doesn’t it? The Bible lauds a woman who is a model to those around her. “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is in her tongue (Prov. 31:25-26),” the Scripture says about a woman of Christ-likeness. It is a daily challenge for any woman to do but the Spirit in us is able to transform us if we are humble enough to listen and submit.
When I leave this earth, I would hope that I would leave it a little better than when I entered. If this old cabinet can speak, I hope it will share many heart-warming memories which its new owners are daily attempting to pursue.
Past Women's Ministry articles | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
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Last Updated on Friday, 05 February 2010 22:47 |
Women's Ministry
