Monday, July 2, 2012

Humili-TEA: a cuppa worth pursuing

7/2/12 Being a tea gal in a coffee world has its moments---many of which are disappointing. However, one of my most affirming moments in my last-minute decision to go to Ukraine was the revelation that tea, the hot variety, would be available 24-7. I’m sure that revelation seems pretty insignificant to most folks, but to me it shows just how personal God can be in his care for us.

Today's morning cuppa  jogged that memory for me and I spent time praying for my “new-found” Ukrainian friends. I thanked God for the privilege of being found faithful and put into ministry at Kompas Park  by Him.  In Ukraine, which I first considered uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8) because it was so far from my Memphis address, I felt at home---a home full of good neighbors---always reaching out and caring for you.  Neighbors of joy, unselfishness and love, united in Spirit and bound together by a single purpose: to know God better.

I was humbled by God’s goodness for me during those 12 days abroad. I was humbled by the acceptance of “hard places” by many of the women at the Mom and Me Camp. I was humbled by the generosity of time and energy that the Ukrainian leadership "babies team" used to benefit me. I was amazed at their “humility” reservoir.
HumiliTEA, needs more than just a sip or two. HumiliTEA is the cuppa all should drink deeply from because our Savior was humility personified.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:3-5)
I mulled over this scriptural definition of humility with my  cuppa at my fingertips. I encourage you to do the same!
As Isaiah 57:15 reminds us: God dwells with those who have a humble and contrite spirit and revives both the repentant heart and the spirit of the humble. Glory to God.
Слава Богу!   (For Ukrainian sisters) When I hear you praying this, it sounds like Slava bohja----but regardless of the language, may we all choose to glorify the Lord.
Glory to God who showed me more of Himself, through the humility in your lives, which I saw so clearly last week.
Humili-TEA---a great cuppa for us all!