"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV
Actually, it wasn't my original idea, but God knew what would be good medicine for me. He put it in the heart of a dear friend to bless me with, no, not a tea party, but to delight me with a gift of tea cups! And not just any tea cups, but exquisite, delicate, elegant, dainty antique china tea cups that belonged to her mother! Since my dear friend is in her mid-eighties, that makes these beautiful cups even more precious.
As you can see, each cup is unique and lovely. Several are fine bone china from England, and two were made in Occupied Japan, and one was made in Germany in the U.S. Zone, which I had never heard of until today. It was apparently made in post World War II, from 1945-1950.
But it is not the country of their origin or the age or quality of the china that makes them special to me. What makes them a gift to be treasured is that it came from dear friends who are in the process of downsizing from their home to an "independent living" apartment. As I opened the box and unwrapped each piece, I erupted into "oohs" and "aahs" and squeals of delight. I couldn't wait to call her and thank her and that is when she told me that they had belonged to her mother and because she would not have a place to keep them in her new home, she knew that I would enjoy and appreciate them...and she hoped they would lift my spirits today.
She was certainly right about that. Yesterday I had a "broken spirit" that was drying up my bones.
Today I have a "merry heart", which is truly "good medicine".
Thank you, Lord, for knowing what I needed today. And thank you sweet friend, for being the vessel of love through whom God chose to bring some merriment into my heart today. You are a blessing! And yes, I will definitely enjoy and appreciate this wonderful gift.
Thoughts to ponder:
What special gifts have you received that lifted your spirits during a difficult time?
Have you ever been the one to give a gift to someone to cheer them up?
How did it feel to receive such a gift?
How did it feel to give such a gift?
How has God ministered to you when you needed it most?
Is there someone you know who might need a gift of encouragement today? It doesn't have to be an expensive or precious family heirloom. Perhaps a gift of your time. A note to let them know you are thinking of them. A phone call. A gift from your garden or kitchen. A special book that helped you during a difficult time.
No gift is too small or insignificant when it is given with love.
