“My cup of tea”…………what’s yours?

5/6/10 Figuratively speaking, that phrase “my cup of tea” can describe something that one prefers or desires---often taking on the essence of who we are---an outward manifestation of sorts.
A big reading chair. (bookshelf nearby with cozy mysteries & reading glasses) A big chair for prayer. (bookshelf nearby with Bible study tools, journals & reading glasses) Both areas have a coaster nearby for my “cuppa.” Hm-mm, big chairs, bookshelves, a “cuppa” and reading must be my cup of tea.

That idiom can too often define one’s lifestyle in a negative way. That happens when we try to be someone else’s cup of tea. You can spend a lifetime trying to be what others want you to be---- and it’s usually for their benefit. If you decide to change you’d better watch out.

It does seem to be a little easier as you reach a certain decade to stop misleading family, friends and colleagues. You can come out of the closet, in a way---fess up to “good enough” housekeeping, (books are dusted) “good enough” meals, (tea is available) “good enough” wardrobe (ah-h sweats are clean) and “close enough” number on the scale. (all right, so I didn’t weigh today). That is one of the advantages of aging. Coming clean is liberating. You can stop hiding behind the masks of perfection.

It’s not entirely true that I’ve reached a point where I don’t care what people think of me. Sometimes I feel a little left out in conversations. But I can weigh others’ expectations of me with what He thinks of me, to find balance. It’s His expectations that are important.

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)