Tuesday, July 10, 2012

perishable goods

around midnight, all my appliances start glowing. my laptop casts a pretty blue light around the office, my cell phone glows in the dark bedroom, buzzing occasionally with a late night call from my sister. the television, in all its glory, beckons me with light and sound and moving images just waiting to take me out of my world, off the couch in our tiny house by the side of the road, and into a realm of glamour, where giada can eat five pounds of pasta without gaining weight, emily can deny a boy a rose and make him cry, and country stars can sashay around in painted on jeans. even the news doesn't seem as scary when delivered by a pretty blonde in a smart blouse.

but last night, when i was directly in the throngs of technology, i looked over at robert and pablo and had a clear thought. if i wanted them to be, every single appliance in this house could be here forever. this iPad can sit right there on the sofa until i'm 90. it's not going anywhere at all. it's a non-perishable good.

but these boys looking back at me? why, that's a different story. we're aging. pablo hesitates to jump up on the guest bed now. it's harder for me to touch my toes in the morning. even robert has a few renegade grays in his beard. the truth is, we're perishable. it's not morbid or sad, it's a beautiful truth. we will go bad one day, just like the cucumbers hanging in the kitchen, or the bread on the shelf. so i have to remind myself to savor the good. the now. the ripeness of today.

of course, if i plan on saving pablo, i've got another thing coming. that pup's been spoiled since the day we got him.

10 comments:

Diana Mieczan said...

This is the sweetest photo:) I love dogs and we have two. They bring so much joy and fun, don't they? Btw: I have a few grays as well, but I dont mind them because as you said, its a beautiful truth:) Have a great day, sweetie.

Dee Paulino said...

What a cute pair Robert, and Pablo are. I feel like this all the time, specially when I am around my grandparents, the time we have to appreciate our loved ones is borrowed and so so short. Thanks for the reminder!

Victory Garden Yarn said...

Beautiful words, as always! And so true. Even at 30, I have a pretty prominent white streak of hair right smack dab in the front of my head, for all the world to see. But I wouldn't dare cover it up--I like to leave it there as a little reminder that things change, people age, and a little white hair really doesn't matter!

Unknown said...

This is such a true post! It's easy to forget that time and people are perishable and we must cherish both!

Kristina

kate said...

what a sweet picture! my goodness. and an even sweeter post. so wonderful <3

Kira said...

This is a great way of looking at what's truly important.

erika said...

Definitely a good reminder.

Southhamsdarling said...

Beautiful photo of Robert and Pablo. Just look at that questioning expression on Pablo's face. I love him! Gosh, that's food for thought there about us being perishable. I think I must certainly be coming up to my "sell by date" if not the "use by date!" But you are so right and wise, (as always) each and every one of us should savour the "ripeness of today." Great post my sweet friend.

Four Girls said...

Thank you for this!
I've been reading Hannah Coulter by Wendell Barry, and wonder if you've ever read it? It seems strange to reccomend a book to someone I've never even met - but I have a feeling you might enjoy it. I think you will be the type of old lady, that she is. Beautiful in age.
<3 ~Liv

Maggy said...

so true! I feel the same way w/ our small family (husband and pup) - I want to look back and say with confidence that I made the most of it.

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