This morning I made coffee to bring to work. I was enjoying my coffee in my travel mug (pictured above) while talking with Tom.He looked at me and asked, “Do you know how old that cup is?”
“No.” I replied not really interested in the age of my cup.
“I used that cup back in New York." (This makes it over 15 years old.) "Don’t you think it’s time you get a new travel mug?”
“Why? I like this one.” I said a little defensive of my mug.
“They have really nice ones that come in all sizes and it would look so much better than that one.”
“Really? What are you trying to say? It works fine and it’s the right size for my morning coffee.” I continued my defense. “Are you saying that I should toss it aside simply because it’s old? Should I replace it with something new because somehow the newer thing would be better?”
My poor husband looked at me and laughed. He knew I was talking about more than just the mug. He joined me by saying, “Besides it’s red, white and blue and still keeps coffee hot.” We did continue a bit on this track.
It got me thinking. Some of my favorite things are old. I love old movies, old books and old shoes. Maybe that’s because I’m old. When did being old become a bad thing? There is nothing more fascinating to me then having a conversation with a much older person and hearing stories about their lives.
My mom is 82 years old and now has Alzheimer’s. I’m grateful for the times I prodded her for stories about when she and my dad meet. If I didn’t listen to those stories when she wanted to tell me, it would have been too late.
In my church experience, I’ve listened to people who are older than me tell stories of the past. Interesting stories about how they saw God move. I’ve watched as God still used them to minister to those around them. The bible is filled with stories of God using men and women when they were much older. Nothing can beat experience. This gives me hope for my future. It means that the Lord will continue to use me as long as I’m willing to serve Him.
An old mug is in the eye of the beholder.
© Nadine Z. 2007
20 comments:
I enjoy listening to those who have been here a lot longer than I have, because they have a lot more life experience. I can always learn from someone else and their mugs! Thanks for your insight!
Now that you mentioned the old mug I have one old & chipped mug which I used since 1984 coz it was from my hubby - still use, still love it!
So yep, just like you we love our old mug ;)
Have a wonderful weekend pal :D
The older woman are instructed to teach the younger ones. Moses was 80 years old before God BEGAN to use him. I, for one, appreciate my years very much!!!
Susan
I think its funny how something increase in value as they get older while others become worthless. Who decides these things? Great post!
I tend towards things that are "old" and reliable, over the newest, hippest gadget. If it still works, I still use it. All my life I've been drawn to having friends older than me, and dated (and married) a man older than me. Old is good in many, many ways.
I find it so sad that our disposable society does not show respect to our more experienced members. Some "things" do get better with age... people!
This was a fun read for the morning!
amen...!!
Nadine, you are an amazing inspiration, I love how you can start with a simple little thing like this mug and turn it into inspirational wise words to live by....
Great post!!
Love the mug!
Just like fine wine we get better as we age...heehee!!
Hugs to you !
Haha you're funny Nadine. Yes an OLD mug is in the eye of the beholder. And isn't it an "oldie but goodie"??? I think that's why I hung on to all my OLD clothes! Thanks for the love note btw. ttyl
You know, I have a mug that I bought when Matt and I first started dating. It's old. It's perfect. It's something very stable in my life and I just love it. And let me just say... that mug is awesome!!
- Audrey
As usual well said and so True! It might be old, but it's comforting.
Well put Nadine! keep the old mug;)
Nothing wrong with old:)I too enjoy hearing stories...
You have the most amazing ways of shedding light on the important stuff :))
VERY NICe HOWS U?
Nadine - this is beautiful. You are so right - older people have so much to share :) - I love listening to them. Wasn't Moses over 80 when God moved him to lead His people out of Egypt? There is still hope for me too.
Thank you so much for sharing this -- what a blessing.
Nadine, I loved these thoughts. What a great illustration with your conversation over the mug!
I am the same way...I absolutely love old things too- movies, antiques...and yes, people! (And no, you're not old, because if you are that means I am too!) ;)
I love old houses. I wonder who built them, who lived there, what it was like to live at that time and what there stories are.
Great post!
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