The Treasure in a Tiny Tea Cup!

     Finding treasure during the middle of summer in Arizona is a challenge. Most will put off having their sales until the weather is a bit cooler, preferring not to be sitting outside when the temperatures hover around 100 degrees or higher. This is also when many residents find somewhere up north to cool off, which means the friends we normally see each week while we are out hunting, are now missing from the "circuit". A few more familiar faces appeared at the sales last week end, and it was great to catch up! The friends we've made while out hunting are some of the best treasures we've found!

     This charming tea cup that was purchased at a recent estate sale wouldn't be considered a treasure by most. It is a child's size cup and saucer with beautiful hand painted flowers, made in Occupied Japan by Hokutosha:

     

     It's what the cup reminds me of that makes it a treasure...

     A while back some events in my life left me wondering about God. Almighty God, the Creator of the universe...

     All powerful...

     All seeing...

     

     At that time I felt unseen by God. Like the prayers I was pouring out to Him were unheard. And it made me wonder why, when it was in His power to change things, that He didn't. 

     Little by little I didn't pray so much.

     One day a friend of mine, asked me to come to her home for coffee. When I arrived she seated me at her table, poured coffee in a beautiful cup, and offered me a pastry. We started talking about families and life. And then, as if God Himself were leading her, she started talking about prayer. She shared personal stories of hard times in her life, and how God had answered her prayers during those times. She reminded me that God has the very best plan for us, even when it may not look that way when we are in the middle of a trial. So much wisdom from this dear friend, and she had no idea what was going on in my heart.

     Or that I didn't think God was listening any more...

     The invitation from this friend wasn't random. The God that I thought didn't care, had orchestrated it all.  Through my friend He reminded me that He was there, that He was listening, that I could trust Him to bring about the best in the end. 

     When I backed away from Him, He pursued me, through a friend... 

     "...For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b)

     So you see, the little tea cup does have great worth - it's a reminder from God that friendships are a treasure!