Use the good dishes

Sherri T.

These are the wise words of wellness expert and chiropractor Dr. Elaine Dembe.  She has also written a book by this name.

I personally love to take out my mother’s fancy dishes for use on special occasions.  I know that many of my dear friends do the same (Dorothy’s floral tea cups come immediately to mind).  

Using the good dishes makes every occasion significant because I can feel my mother celebrating with us.  In fact, I always look forward to setting her lovely plates – though I admittedly complain about the work involved in removing them from the cupboards, handling them with trepidation and carefully packing them away.  Funny how good dishes can quickly turn joy into job.

While nice and nostalgic, the literal interpretation of these words totally misses the point.  The moral of this story basically has little to do with ornamental plates or floral teacups.

Good thing, because many young people today have no interest in fancy dishes.  Far more important, millions of people around the globe are worried about their next meal.  The plates on which they eat it is irrelevant.  We are not actually talking here about dishes at all.

Elaine Dembe is asking us to understand her words symbolically.  She does this by posing some thought-provoking questions.  Do we tend to wait for something to happen in future to make us happy?  Do we postpone what we might enjoy today until the time is right tomorrow?   

She points out that many people put off joyful moments or occasions until they believe they will have more free time, more money or better circumstances. 

 “Use the good dishes” is a wake-up call.  It’s a metaphor for a deeper message. 

The right time may not come in future.  The right time is now.  “Use the good dishes” is a reminder to take advantage of life’s opportunities whenever and wherever they may arise. 

Moreover, experiencing joy is not linked to or found in one thing.  Rather, every day can bring quiet celebration. 

The key message?  Seize the day – because each one comes with special moments that have unique meaning.  All we need is the ability to see them.