A few years ago, as the cooler winter months were turning to a warmer spring, I began folding up my sweaters to put away. I opened the cupboard to stack my sweaters and got a whiff of something lovely. I smiled as I recalled that scent. It came from a bag of French soaps I purchased while on a trip with my husband. The fancy soaps reminded me of that time in Paris, the cute little shops, and of romance. I closed the cupboard with a smile on my face.
On a whim, about a week later, I pulled out that bag of soaps, smelled each one, and selected one to use in the shower. It felt like a guilty pleasure. Shouldn’t I be using the practical soap, the kind we buy in bulk at Costco? Shouldn’t I be saving this for some special day? Was I acting impetuously? Looking back now, I see how ridiculous that was. I realized that in some strange way, I didn’t feel worthy enough to use these cherished soaps. It felt too extravagant. Maybe you think about your fancy things that way, too.
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You know those scented soaps you have that smell so wonderful, the ones you stuffed in the back of your vanity? How about those gorgeous candles you own but never light, or that lovely lotion you were given but never opened? They are gifts you received from someone dear, but you’ve been saving them for that someday. You’re afraid to use them. Ask yourself why. Why are you storing them? Why not open them now?
I went for years not opening those beautiful soaps or burning those fancy scented candles. I would receive them as birthday or Christmas presents but then never, ever use them. They stayed tucked away for that special occasion or out for display only. Some of these items I have had for YEARS! Yes, years! I was afraid to light the candles because I didn’t want to waste them on myself. After that day when I pulled out the French soap, I gave up my silly notions and practical ways. I began a new motto of “life is short, so use the fancy stuff you have.”
So, go ahead, use those fancy soaps and light those candles. Do it! Don’t save them for a rainy day because the rainy day may never come. Live life for today, not tomorrow. Light the candlesticks at dinnertime. Wear those diamond earrings your husband gave you for your anniversary. Put your strand of pearls around your neck. Celebrate each day. Spritz on your favorite perfume. There is no time like today.
Enjoy that lovely bottle of wine you received for your birthday. No time is like the present. While you are at it, use the cloth napkins and tablecloths; eat off of your china; drink out of your fancy glasses. Why not? You can always wash them. Don’t let them collect dust in your cupboards. Pull them out and enjoy the beautiful things you have. Each day is a gift, and we are not guaranteed a tomorrow.
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If you stop by my home, don’t be surprised by the smell of a candle burning, the sight of cloth napkins on my dinner table, or an offer of thick, lavish cream for your dry hands. You are worth it.
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“Don’t save something for a special occasion. Every day of your life is a special occasion.” Thomas Monson
Such perfect encouragement! We do go for long periods of time not using the beautiful things we have, this is a wonderful gentle reminder. We are worth it and so are those who step in to our homes.
Thank you!
Thank you, Teresa xoxoxo
I love this post and reminder, Natalie! I am doing some of these things but want to get better at doing them more often.
Thank you, Jill! I am so happy that it encouraged you to use those beautiful things xoxo
Can I just say your title is brilliant? It’s so easy to never use the nice stuff and just save it for company. I find myself constantly hoarding nice stuff we get in case we can give it to someone else or let someone else use it. Now I find “fancy” stuff at Marshall’s or TJ Maxx and at those prices, I don’t feel bad about actually using the stuff!
There are some great finds at TJ Maxx for these items! Isn’t it fun to find them?
This is some great advice! I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody who actually used those specialty soaps. Instead, they just kept collecting. Thank you for the encouragement to use the items I’ve been hoarding.
Well, now you know one 🙂 You are so welcome, Lauren. Go use them!
I grew up in a home where the living room furniture was for company, the towels in the bathroom were for show….and I never want my home to be like that. Why should the people living under my roof not be entitled to the things guests would be? My husband is certainly entitled to the best..not visitors. I loved this!!
Exactly! Why have these beautiful things for show and not for use?
I agree! And I love sitting at the pretty table, with the candles, and Sunday dishes, across from the man I love. Thanks for the reminder.
I love that, too! Thanks for commenting, Joy xo
Love this! This also has such a wider application when it comes to living life RIGHT NOW. We put so many things off in life assuming we will have time later… but we were never promised more than today. Thanks again friend xoxo
You are right, Maria. We certainly do that with our lives and not just the “things.” Thanks for reading xoxo
I couldn’t agree more! Life is too short to save our best items.
I agree, Rose, it’s much too short! Thank you for reading 🙂
I use my best stuff all the time. Why save it? Everyday is special and may be the last day I am on earth. I enjoy all the nice things I have and I enjoy using them and sharing them with anyone that comes over.
Good for you, Ann! You have a lovely home and beautiful things to share with others. I am sure it blesses your guests xo
We are daughters of the King! Of course we are worthy of the fancy soap! I love your Every day perspective- because each and every single day is full of God’s gifts and His possibilities. New Mercy every morning! I love the title of your post too- it grabbed my attention.
Thanks for this sweet little gift of assurance.
Thank you, April! You are so welcome! Blessings to you xo
Love lighting candles from you!!
I love buying candles for my friends 🙂