Not just a kitchen table...

Some say that with time, things lose their value. In many cases, this is true. But in other cases I believe that with time things not only increase in value, but eventually become priceless. Such is the case with my kitchen table.

We bought our table almost six years ago. When both leaves are put in, it can comfortably seat ten people. The only drawback to it was that it was a close-out and so it came as is...which meant no chairs. We got it anyways. For almost 4 years, we used folding chairs with it because, come to find out, chairs are really expensive when sold separately. Then one day, Cory and I were driving down the road and decided to check out an estate sale, and I'm so glad we did because that is where we found our chairs. Once we brought the chairs home, we decided that we were going to sand them all down and refinish them ourselves. A couple hour project (at least that's what we originally thought) turned into a VERY LONG project that I finally gave up on once I realized that I actually did like the original cream color. So we were left with three chairs that were sanded and four that were not. Which is why we now have three spray painted black chairs and four cream ones. I have always loved the chairs but this last summer I fell in love with them even more when my mom helped me refinish them all with the perfect fabric. Now, each day when I look at those chairs, I think of her. I think of the selfless countless hours that she not only spent last July, but that she has spent my whole life, serving and loving me.

The table no longer has the perfect finish across it, in fact, it is anything BUT perfect. It has nail polish stains, marker spots, scratches and dents all over it. It has been well used and well loved. Upon its surface, hundreds of meals have been eaten, hundreds of pages of homework have been completed, and hundreds of clothes have been folded. I have scrapbooked on it, sewn on it, and sat at it hundreds of thousands of times to read a book, lecture a child, prepare for a lesson, do my visiting teaching reports, make things for my home, school, community, or church. Upon its chairs I have bowed my head in humility as I have listened to the words of a prayer, I have felt gratitude in my heart as I have fed countless numbers of friends, family, missionaries, and neighbors. I have collapsed my head upon its surface as I have laughed harder than I thought possible, and also at other times, as I have prayed and cried for comfort, forgiveness, understanding and relief. Upon its surface, I have made gingerbread houses, rolled out play dough, taught joy school, cut out snowflakes, wrapped presents, and taught my children.

This morning as I wiped the table down for the ten millionth time, I couldn't help but smile as I wiped away the spilled water from Hailey's sippy cup, the cream of wheat from the girls' breakfast, and then put away all four sets of scriptures that were used last night as we sat at our table to read and study from the Book of Mormon. This table of mine is one filled with memories, memories of unforgettable conversations, good company, and millions of moments that have carved character and meaning not only into our table, but into our home, family, and hearts.

Yes, this table may be worthless to somebody else, but to me...it is priceless.