The Beauty of an Old Chair

The other day, I was shopping for flowers, at Lowes, which is one of my favorite things to do, when low and behold, to my amazement, I ran into some very retro patio chairs.  The memories immediately started flooding in.  I remember, as a kid, my grandparents having chairs like these on their porch when I would go visit.  It seemed every time we pulled up to their house, one, if not both, of them would be out on the front porch, sitting in those chairs with a glass of tea, enjoying whatever season we were in at the time.  I remember a great aunt we visited often, in Arkansas, having a huge wrap around porch and those chairs were scattered all over it.  She too, with some other relative or friend, would always be out on them when we pulled up.  It seemed as though all the, what I though were, old people of that time had these chairs.  I don’t really remember thinking they were all that cool back then.  I don’t even really think I though too much about the fact that someone was always in them.  I don’t think I really gave them too much thought at all.
I do know that when I found them at Lowes, I immediately wanted some for my own front porch.  However, I controlled the urge and came home without them.  Usually when that happens, I leave the store without the great find, I tend to forget about it and live without whatever it was that I thought I couldn’t live without at the time.  This time is different though, I have continued to think about those chairs.  I think I relate them to a slower way of life.  To a time when people sat on their porches for extended periods of time enjoying the outdoors, enjoying their kids, enjoying their neighbors, enjoying friends who just dropped by, just being still and enjoying.  
I think, for the most part, we aren’t the typical American family.  We do things a little differently than most of the families we know.  I’m a stay-at-home mom, we homeschool, we don’t get involved in every extracurricular activity, we pick and choose carefully what we fill our lives up with, we eat dinner together every night, we have “Family Night” every Friday, and we read the Bible together.  Even at that, we are running crazy!!  Always things that need to get done.  
I think some would say I was born in the wrong decade, but I long for the stillness, the simplicity of yesteryear.  Relationships that were built on those chairs with tea (although mine would probably be pop or coffee) and homemade cupcakes, cookies or sweetbread.  I have been labeled “The Sweet Lady” (as in sweets, story for another day), so I tend to have the homemade goodies around, just not enough time to enjoy them like I would like, with all the people I would like.
I think I will buy those chairs and give myself a constant reminder to slow down, to enjoy life more, to enjoy Jesus more, to enjoy friends more (old and new), to be Jesus to my neighbors more, to just “Be still and know that HE is God”.
(When I was a kid, these chairs always seemed to be red and sometimes rusty even.  Who knows, maybe everyone had them because they couldn’t afford anything nicer, but, to me, there is beauty in those old chairs.)
Thank you, Jesus for always showing me what You want from me, for always loving me and nudging me to do Your will.  Thank you for Your Word, no matter the situation, there is always a verse to fit.  Help me to slow down, to enjoy the blessings all around me.  Help me to see through the world and into the person You have changed me to be!! 
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”  Romans 12:2
Who knows, maybe someday you can join me for sweets and a drink in these chairs on my front porch!!  Won’t that be fun.
Counting it all Joy!!
Angel

11 comments:

Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boys said...

I really enjoyed this post....I love those chairs (my MIL has them on her porch!), I love sweet tea and I always have something home-baked around. Most of all I love how you see Jesus in your life. My husband and I have said many times that we were born in the wrong era.
Im so glad you stopped by my blog....I love meeting new friends! I hope to talk to you soon!

Mari said...

I was born in the wrong decade too - I love the simpler times.
I love those chairs too. As soon as I started reading this post I knew what type you were talking about. The sad thing is, when we bought our first house about 25 years ago, the previous owners left a few chairs like that. We got rid of them because I thought they were old fashioned. I've regretted that many times since!
I don't think you'll regret buying them!

Beth Herring said...

My grandmother had those chairs, but they were red and orange! I can remember sitting in them and bouncing lightly while drinking "coffee" (mostly milk) on their porch.

Great post!

Cathy said...

I love those old chairs. I remember them too! I didn't know Lowes was selling them. I may have to go take a look.

I spent about an hour out on my front porch sitting in a Cracker Barrel Rocker doing a couple Bible Study lessons. I love being out there!

Thanks for signing up to follow my blog. I look forward to getting to know you.

Carrie Cooper said...

Carrie @ comfortedbyGod.blogspot.com

Hi, Angel! I stumbled upon your blog--LOVE the pics of the old timey chair. I vividly remember those same chairs (with at least 8 coats of paint, chipping off) at my grandparents home. They remind me of the South, the country, quiet nights on the back porch. Thinks for bringing back sweet memories.

Saleslady371 said...

I'm with you...slowing down and prioritizing according to Jesus!

He & Me + 3 said...

Girl you are an inspiration. I am constantly telling my kids to be different & be leaders...be that light that is different...that people will be drawn to. You better get those chairs. They are so neat and what a beautiful reminder they would be.
Hugs,
Mimi

Deborah Ann said...

I love all those old treasures that take me back...

Blessings!

Debby (Heavenly HumorJ)

Kathleen said...

There really were the "good old days"! I grew up in the 50s & 60s, when you needn't lock doors, and when children could run somewhat wild while playing hide-n-seek, or building tree forts.

You are a wise family to live so intentionally; and I'm thinking that retro chair (and several more like it) will help.

Blessings,
Kathleen

Loren said...

Oh Angel....these chairs do bring back so many wonderful memories! I know they will bless you immensely and give you years on your own wonderful memories :)

Please share a pic once you have them on your porch ok!!

Love you

Charlotte said...

Love these chairs and the memories.
Charlotte