The Teacups

Many years ago, an elegant tea cup and saucer given to me as a gift started my love affair with fine china and crystal.  Over the years I collected an assortment of them.  During a visit to Canada I made a purchase, and later, while in Amsterdam, I added to my collection.  Sometime later, England became the shopping spot.

            But upon retirement a few years ago, my husband and I sold our home and purchased an RV to fulfill my husband’s dream of traveling full-time.  My children then became the recipients of my prized collection.  From time to time I longingly thought about the beautiful pieces; however, an occasional trip to visit my kids gave me my “fix” as I looked at the dishes.  A bouncing RV was no place for the delicate pieces.

            After a few years of traveling, my precious mom became ill, and was settled into an assisted living facility.  Shortly after that, my husband and I moved into her house and became caretakers.  I was blessed with her set of china that my brother had purchased while in Germany.  I had promised the set to my daughter, but, for now, I just wanted to enjoy them a bit; I liked the way they spoke to me from the cupboard.

            Then, a recent Christmas luncheon invitation from a special friend, Deborah, brought great delight.  The table was elegantly spread with linens; and beautiful crystal, china and silver graced the table that was equal only to a five star hotel.  Gorgeous roses strategically placed down the center of the table were the crowning touch.  Upon our arrival we were warmly greeted with drinks and hors d’oeuvers; and later, each course that she presented was met with an assortment of oohs and ahhs.  As coffee and dessert was served, I lifted the delicate cup and related the story of my own teacups that were given to my children, sharing my delight at drinking from china once again.

            The following Tuesday night, several ladies came to my home for our weekly Bible study.  When Debbie, another friend arrived, she carried a large package.  She said it was for me to open later with a comment, “You will understand why I’m giving you this when you open it.  It’s something you said at the luncheon we both attended.”  Her smile left me with curious anticipation all evening.  When my last guest departed, I pulled out layers of packing to reveal a beautiful set of china teacups from Germany.  Delicate pastel autumn leaves rimmed the cups and saucers.  I was amazed!  It was then that I remembered the story I had shared of my china.

            This gift from a friend was a symbol of God’s love offered from a generous heart.  It reminds me of Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” NIV.  No special occasion celebrated the gift; no birthday or Christmas as a reason for the surprise.  Just someone who was observant and allowed God’s love to flow through her.  In fact, both Deborah and Debbie gave to us freely out of  their hearts of love.  Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Even though I was extremely blessed with both gifts, I also saw the joy in my friends' eyes as I shared my delight in receiving their gifts.  

            This morning as I write and drink from my teacup, Debbie’s gift reminds me that anytime is a time to share God’s love with others.  This new year of 2012 may offer many opportunities to show God’s love in unexpected ways.  Will we be watching for clues that will signal us when someone needs a special blessing, or a kind word?  How about a couple dozen cookies fresh from our oven for someone who has had a busy week?  Or to our local firefighters or police officers as an appreciation of all they do to keep us safe?  What about an offer to babysit for a weary mom?   

These lovely teacups will be a constant reminder for me to look for opportunities to bless others in the New Year.  I don’t want to be just a recipient, but to be a giver as well.  I want to lay up treasures in Heaven in 2012!