Who would’ve known how a Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn to Say Please Tea Set could be used to convict, encourage, and glorify God?
It all began while shopping for Piper’s birthday this week. I spotted a sale on Fisher-Price play sets and took full advantage by purchasing an On-The-Go Nativity Set for her birthday and a Laugh and Learn to Say Please Tea Set for Christmas.
When I arrived home that day, I left the tea set sitting in the front floor board. Had I known that every tilting of the pink tea pot produced the sound of pouring water I would’ve kicked my procrastination to the proverbial curb. The first “pour” brought a smile to my face as I thought of Piper, but the continuous (and I do mean continuous!) pouring prompted a whole new meaning.
At one time
we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and
hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.
And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted
in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. -Titus 3:4-8
With every “pour”, my Savior came to mind — proving especially helpful when I became frustrated with the guy in front of me refusing to take advantage of a left turn signal, as well as the time my mind began wandering in a not-so-Christ-like-direction.
Fast forward to this morning when I spotted a Salvation Army volunteer bundled up in a heavy coat, swinging her bell in front of the local Belk. The Lord reminded me of the nearby Starbucks and how a cup of hot cocoa with whip cream could minister to most anyone—and of course, He was right.
I pulled up to the curb, hopped out, and handed the bundled volunteer hot cocoa. The wrinkles on her face glistened with delight as she proclaimed how she’d just told the Lord she could use something warm to drink. We gave God glory for His provision and wished each other a blessed holiday season while I climbed back in the CRV.
As I pulled away, the tea pot tilted and the water “poured”, immersing my heart in gratitude for a plastic pink tea pot and the magnificent ways God uses the simplest of things to bring Him glory.
Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received
from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this
that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. – Acts 2:33
Cathy,
This is really good! I love your story and application.
Honestly, I think you need to submit this one to a magazine for publication — it's really good.
God bless you and have a wonderful tea party.
Love, Hester 😉
Thanks for the encouragement, Hester. I may just do that!
Blessings to you, my friend.
What a precious story, Cathy. I love it! Now, to go out and be a tea pot…pouring out His love and blessings. 🙂
I see a theme building for a future tea party! Thanks, Vonda. 🙂
Cathy–I agree with Hester…and hope you submit this to a magazine for publication. God used your words tonight to reaffirm a decision I had made earlier today. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing as well, Kim. Praising the Lord with you tonight for His sweet confirmations. 🙂
Great post, Cathy. I love that a child's tea set brought a God lesson to you that we can all learn from.
It's always an adventure with Him leading the way, isn't it Ellen? Thanks for sharing!
Love this story Cathy…such a great analogy and such sweet times you are enjoying with your grand-daughter! You will be a vessel for her for years to come.
Cathy, you captured my heart with the tea pot and cup as well as you message.
Write on.
Thanks so much Celeste and Carolyn. You encourage me greatly. 🙂 God bless you!