If you have been to my house, you will recognize my wall of mugs. When we have guests over, and they have coffee or tea, we direct them to the wall and ask them to pick one. As you can tell from the photo, we have a decent variety. Occasionally, I will switch out some per the season, but for the most part, I leave out my favorites. Some were gifts, and some I purchased, but each holds a special place.
Before the day became busy with other items on the "to-do" list, I decided to clean out the cups and prepare them, and as I did, I thought about each one and the person who gave me the meaningful cup. It brought sweet tears as I remembered their thoughtfulness. I also recalled why I purchased some and what season I was mainly in.
And then I thought about the Ladies' Tea I was invited to recently. The event was very well organized. With a full guest list, they had a nearby parking lot available and chauffeurs to drive you back and forth to the house. Escorts with umbrellas to keep you dry from the rain. Greeters with name tags and friendly servers asking you about your tea preference. I took copious notes of their impressive level of detail so I may do the same one day. All the ladies were dressed picture-perfect. It would've been great if we all posed for a photo together, capturing the moment. When the event officially started, the hostess whom I met for the first time provided some directives as the ladies enjoyed their tea and treats. We were guided in groups and into different parts of this beautifully decorated home and instructed to share with a few new friends a description of our favorite cup and what fills our "cup."
I pondered my response as I listened to the other ladies. I imagined my wall of cups and thought of which stood out to me at that moment. Each of us shared the specifics of our favorite and why. We all mentioned the aesthetics and why our cup holds a special place. However, when we shared, what fills our cup, the intimacy meter went up a notch. I was impressed and grateful for how open my acquaintances were with one another. One shared what was "in her cup" and how overwhelmed she felt during this season. One spoke about her "cup" overflowing with grandkids and what they do for her. Sadly, one quickly commented how her "cup" was empty. I tried to mirror their transparency and shared a tidbit of my life. I left our time together with a heavy heart. We may have looked dressed to impress on the outside, but our insides had a different story to tell.
On my hour drive back home, I prayed for the ladies I sat with. I then went on to pray for all those I have a relationship with and asked the Lord to fill their cups to overflow. I asked the Lord to bless them this Christmas. I prayed that a person or thing would not satisfy or dissatisfy them but that only Jesus would be their dedicated focus this Christmas.
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." ~Psalm 23:5 (ESV)
I pray the same for you. As we close out 2022, I pray for the Prince of Peace to dwell richly inside of you.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." ~John 14:27 (ESV)
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