What's In Your Mug?

“So Jacob set up a sacred stone pillar in the place where God spoke with him.” Genesis 35:14 (NET BIBLE)

One evening, as my roommate and I were having a conversation, I decided to make some tea for both of us. My roommate went to the cupboard, took out his coffee mug, looked at it, and said to me: “Do you see this mug? Let me tell you when I got it.” He then recounted for me the time he was preparing to enter college and he and his late father went shopping together. He bought that specific mug because it had a floral design that reminded him of the hibiscus flowers in Jamaica where he grew up. The more he spoke, it became apparent his mug was more than a beverage container with a sentimental design. It was a memory marker of a time he shared with his dad – when a son was about to step out on his own and a father was proud to prepare him for the journey.

As I listened to him, I looked at the mug in my hand and realized there was a story behind it as well. It was a Christmas gift. When I moved to North Carolina, I did not know many people, so I often felt very alone. However, I met a couple who invited me to a Christmas dinner party at their home. After the meal, they gave gifts to all their guests. When I opened mine, it was a white coffee mug with a green and yellow floral print. Receiving that mug was like holding hope in my hands. I was no longer alone. God had brought caring people into my life to encourage me.

Look inside your cupboard at the mugs you have collected. How many of them remind you of special moments in your life? The one you picked up at a conference. The mug you purchased with the funny message, or your favorite Bible verse. You probably have a souvenir mug from a well-earned vacation. Maybe there are mugs that were gifts from your partner, spouse, children, grandchildren, and close friends. As you look at them, what are the memories saying to you?

Now, move beyond your cupboard and look around your home at all you have attained over the years. What are those memories saying to you? Some may be happy, and others may not. However, those memories are evidence of a life that has been lived. You never gave up in the hard times, even when it appeared all hope was lost. You pressed ahead and here you are today.

Are you facing challenging circumstances? Do not hesitate any longer. It is time to press forward once more and make memories that are worthy of new markers.