Adversi-TEA, a 2nd cuppa

Adversity: AKA----Hard places. Tough times. Rough Going.

Places I choose not to be. Yet, yesterday the Lord reminded me that it's in such places of struggle that one learns important life lessons. Obviously such lessons arise over and over for me, as I had blogged last year in Adversi-TEA, learning that my suffering is not just about me but about benefitting others. Comfort keeping extends to others---comfort keepers reach out with the comfort they receive in order to comfort others. (2 Corinthians 1:6-7)

But....today with my morning cuppa, a beloved cracked cup, I saw clearly that adversi-TEA is NOT a cuppa to sip alone. One must sip it with Him. Alone a cuppa adversi-TEA can leave a bitter taste. His compassions fail not and they "sweeten" one's cuppa. 

He is our portion forever. Adversity can and will work very much for good. That is our hope. 

A hope that never fails. This I know from personal experience.

Crack in cup can be seen above the reflection. 

Glued together because it is the remaining one of two purchased in England in blue/white pattern which I love. 

Sometimes it feels as if I, beloved of the Father, am kept together by the glue of His love and mercy.

The Lord is my portion, says my soul, Therefore I have hope in Him. (Lamentations 3:24)

Adversi-TEA

But in our trouble God has comforted us—and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure.

(2 Corinthians 1:6-7, TLB)

Some cuppas in life, no matter how needful, are hard to take or ingest. So, the question is, "Why so many cuppas in life----which we had rather not sip?" 

Today's Streams in the Desert entry answered that question. Needful cups of adversi-TEA, often overflowing with suffering, prepare our hearts to share with others when they go through similar trials. A new cancer diagnosis can turn one toward a cancer survivor friend for understanding comfort. Being on the same side of the suffering adds validity to her words.

"They have watched the lamp of life's silver cord slowly unravel. They have seen the golden bowl of joy smashed at their feet, and its contents spilled.

So suffering is rough and hard to bear; but it hides beneath it----discipline, education, and possibilities, which not only leave us nobler, but perfect us to help others. Do not fret, or set your teeth, or wait doggedly for the suffering to pass; but get out of it all you can, both for yourself and for your service to your generation,......" (Streams, December 10)

And His grace will be sufficient,

When your heart is pierced with pain.

Will you live to bless His loved ones,

Tho’ your life be bruised and torn,

Like the bird that sang so sweetly,

With its heart against a thorn? (Ibid, p.460)

May one's cuppa adversi-TEA go down a little easier as one considers all the possibilities of benefit to others.