I was thinking that it would be fun to share your very most favorite thing in your house.  Not to be focused just on material things, of course, but do you have something that just makes you happy?  Something that is sentimental?  Something that you hope you never have to get rid of?

My favorite thing is my spice cabinet, and it certainly has a story behind it.  It is sort of a focal point in our kitchen and gets used every single day as we cook our family meals.  I think it fits perfectly into our 1921 home. 

I love the rustic old handles and the rusty latches on the doors.  I love the glass panes that allow me to see all my spices, including some old-looking Watkins spices.  The rusty-but-sturdy hinges appeal to my liking of all things rustic and useful, and I even love the peeling paint. 

The story behind the cabinet makes it even more special.  I had been looking for a spice rack, but needed something bigger than the standard little spice racks I was finding in the thrift stores at the time. 

I walked into a local antique store one day and chatted with a newly-made friend.  I enjoyed so much looking at the items in her rented space in the store.  She just had an eye for finding things that I loved.  Not that I could afford anything I wanted, but it was fun to look and dream.  Anyway, when I saw this cabinet it was exactly what I had imagined for my kitchen.  It was the perfect size and had that look I needed.  Anything too new just does not fit into my old house.  It clashes. 

I wanted that cabinet so much, I figured that I would put in on lay-away, budget a portion of my grocery money, and pay it off over a period of three months.  It went well for about a month and then we had a financial crisis and corners would have to be cut.  I knew that luxuries could not be afforded and the spice cabinet was a luxury (as much as I hated to admit it).  So I went to the antique store, not even expecting to see my new friend, as she was usually not there unless stocking her booth, but she was there that day.  It was with embarrassment that I told her of my situation and that I needed to end my contract, losing a portion of the money, but I felt I would be unable to meet my obligations to pay any more payments.  I was astonished at what she said.

She told me that she had — for some reason – felt like I was having a hard time.  She said that the Lord had put me in her heart and that if in fact it did turn out to be true that I was struggling, she was going to mark the bill paid at whatever point I was in the contract and just give me the cabinet.  And that’s what she did!

So every time I look at this cabinet, I am reminded of the kindnesses that have been shown to me, even in little things, and in things that I really didn’t need, but just wanted.  I am reminded that there are many, many kind people in the world, no matter how harsh our world can seem at times.  And also I just love how this old rustic spice cabinet fits into my home. 

You’re invited to leave a link to your blog and YOUR favorite thing and why you love it so much!  It’ll be fun!  I may even tag a few people.

Lynn

PS - I did decide to tag 3 people:  Hannah at Cultivating Home, Patty at Morning Ramble, and  Shauna over at Shauna Rumbling.  They may or may not feel like joining in, but it would be nothing less than intriguing to me to find out if they have a favorite thing and what that thing would be!   It was hard to stop at three blogs, because there are SO many blogger friends on line and I would love to know everyone’s favorite thing.  So anyone join in!

Hey, feel free to pass the question on!!