Stuf'd

It's no secret I have an obsession with Double Stuf'd Oreos. The posts on my Facebook page from friends and family alike indicate that everyone knows it - or maybe they're hinting at my need for Oreos Anonymous. Friends tell me of the latest Oreo creations - the newest flavor coming in candy corn, apparently. I stick to the original double stuf'd. But I always appreciate that my friends see Oreos and think of me.

This month my friends have shared in my desperate search for the seasonal Pumpkin Spice creamer. We've had a full-blown search party across the area in anticipation of the first sign of the stuff. We've scoured every super market in a 20 mile radius for the past few weeks. My desperation lead me to even post on Coffee Mate's Facebook page and ask when we would get the anticipated creamer. They responded it was coming soon. FINALLY! I found it today! And sure enough...there were posts all around to make sure our friends knew we had located the goods.

These posts have created quite a stir, but today I was reminded of the "stuff" that makes me stuf'd. I have a cabinet full of snacks and goodies (including Oreos) and a fridge stocked with whatever my stomach could possibly crave (and several large bottles of Pumpkin Spice creamer). Stuff. It's all just stuff. And while I love 4 double stuf'd Oreos dunked in milk nearly every night, or Pumpkin Spice creamer sweetening my morning coffee, I have to pause for a moment to remember what's important.

I remember the first time I went to the grocery store after returning from Brazil, after seeing a woman with 5 children tell us she had but a few potatoes to feed her family for the entire week. There I stood with rows and rows and rows of choices. Snacks and desserts and meals all ready and waiting for me to consume. I could pick nearly whatever I wanted - beyond my basic needs - and not worry about it. I could feed that woman and her 5 children, along with myself and my own child, for weeks to come from what's in my pantry, fridge and freezer. I doubt any of us would be worried about a meal, let alone hear our stomachs ever growl.

My pantry is stuf'd. My fridge is stuf'd. I'm ashamed to admit that even as I type, my stomach is also stuf'd (from the double stuf'd Oreos I recently indulged in).

Double Stuf'd Oreos, Pumpkin Spice creamer... these are but minor things that bring me pleasure in life. But it's just stuff. And it's NOT the stuff I'm made of. I'm thankful - truly thankful - for all the "stuff" I have. And I pray as I sip my coffee in the morning, perfectly flavored with that Pumpkin Spice creamer, that I'll continue to be reminded of all the "stuff" that I count as blessings!