The other day I was thinking about all the things I own. I do confess, I am a classic example of over consumerism. I own way too much stuff. My husband and I moved to a new home about 6 months ago and it took forever to unpack (that is how I know I own too much). We have 38 years of accumulation. Sheesh!
Anyway, I have a friend whose house burned completely down to the ground (all lives were spared – thankfully). They lost everything. He was telling me about the things that he will miss the most and that got me thinking. What are the top 10 things I would be really sad to lose (not counting beating hearts)? Why 10 – because I wanted to really really dig deep and find out what material things meant the most to me.
So, here are my top 10 things –
Family pictures and scrapbooks – I have many pictures framed and displayed around the house. I enjoy seeing my family. I also have about 40 scrapbooks that I put together years ago. I would really hate to not have those memories.
Family videos – this ties in with #1. I have so many videos of my kids growing up. They love watching them too.
Bible – my bibles are marked up, written in and highlighted. I sometimes date when a passage means more that just words to me, and it is interesting to see the road I have traveled with God.
Gifts that were given to me – I have coffee mugs that mean so much to me (see that post here). I have jewelry that was given to me. I have gifts that are around the house that have been given to me. I would hate to not have those.
Craft things – I have a lifetime of crafting stuff (see that post here). I don’t know if I can narrow all that I own down to 1 thing – but, in the interest of this list, I would say – the cards I have already made. There must be 200. And each one took hours to make.
Paper files – all my income taxes and back up, receipts, lists, notebooks, recipes. Those can’t be replaced or duplicated. How can I make my ‘Aunt Dottie’s Sweet Pickles’ without the recipe?
Bible studies – there are years and years of studies. I do go back and try to find things all the time. I would really miss those.
Christmas ornaments – there is a lifetime of ornaments gathered from all different places. Ornaments my kids have made. The 1st ornaments that were given to me when we were married. Yes, I can always buy newer shiner ones – but I love these
I also realize that there are only 8 things listed – I could not come up with 10. Stuff is just stuff and can always be replaced. And, yes memories will always live in my heart, but it’s so nice to have the tangible items as well. So, what about you? What are your top 10 things that you would be sad to lose? Why did you choose those items? Did you have more or less than 10? I would be interested to know what they are – post them in the comments.
I love your thoughts on this andI would say mine are like yours…..memories Especially our family memories. Love your blogs Jane….always get me thinking.
I would agree about the photos being at the top of the list. Being a practical person, next would be the financial and personal records so that we could get things rolling again without the misery of having to go back to square one. I have a few Bibles that I would grab because they chronicle my spiritual journey and the faithfulness of God, not to mention I consider them old friends….we have a history. The last, but extremely important, would be my phone. That may sound shallow, but I have all my contacts, grandkids pictures, favorite IG accounts and other fun stuff in there. Everything else, although precious to me, I could let go and move on. Truth be told, this house holds a great amount of unhappy memories so I have given much thought to the truly valuable things in my life. Relationships matter. Everything else is secondary. Thank you for your thoughtful post. I enjoy reading your stories. Keep on.
I am so sorry it has take me so long to reply. For some reason I did not get notified that I had a comment. I totally agree about the Bibles! I am so grateful for the cloud too…most of my docs are safe
Hi Janie, There are a few photos I treasure but kept in the loft so they would go up in smoke. Maybe it’s time to get them down. But so many of my memories are tied up with music, and today that’s so easy to replace, maybe not the old vinyl but I could still hear the songs that make me happy. As long as family and my little cat were safe . Xx
My 2022 Holiday Planner is just what you need to keep organized and on top of things during this busy season. And, it's FREE. INCLUDED - My Party Planner! Put your party hat on and plan with confidence! Grab yours before they are gone!
My 2022 Holiday Planner is just what you need to keep organized and on top of things during this busy season. And, it's FREE.
INCLUDED - My Party Planner! Put your party hat on and plan with confidence! Grab yours before they are gone!
50% Complete
I hate spam and promise to keep your email safe. You can unsubscribe at any time.
I love your thoughts on this andI would say mine are like yours…..memories
Especially our family memories. Love your blogs Jane….always get me thinking.
Photos, memorabilia from past vacations and experiences, cards you’ve made me, my Bible, and my childhood stuffed animals.
I would agree about the photos being at the top of the list. Being a practical person, next would be the financial and personal records so that we could get things rolling again without the misery of having to go back to square one. I have a few Bibles that I would grab because they chronicle my spiritual journey and the faithfulness of God, not to mention I consider them old friends….we have a history. The last, but extremely important, would be my phone. That may sound shallow, but I have all my contacts, grandkids pictures, favorite IG accounts and other fun stuff in there. Everything else, although precious to me, I could let go and move on. Truth be told, this house holds a great amount of unhappy memories so I have given much thought to the truly valuable things in my life. Relationships matter. Everything else is secondary. Thank you for your thoughtful post. I enjoy reading your stories. Keep on.
I am so sorry it has take me so long to reply. For some reason I did not get notified that I had a comment. I totally agree about the Bibles! I am so grateful for the cloud too…most of my docs are safe
Hi Janie, There are a few photos I treasure but kept in the loft so they would go up in smoke. Maybe it’s time to get them down. But so many of my memories are tied up with music, and today that’s so easy to replace, maybe not the old vinyl but I could still hear the songs that make me happy. As long as family and my little cat were safe . Xx
Hi Penny. I am so sorry it has take me so long to reply. For some reason I did not get notified that I had a comment. Move those pics! I miss you so!
Thanks Penny – grab those pics and put in a safe place! Miss you