Lessons from Tea

The tags on my favorite tea have various sayings.  Some are inspirational (like this one), some are funny, some are just – well lets just say that I throw those away.  I have kept the ones I really like – sayings like this one that spur my thinking, and give me something to write about.

“Never wish life were easier.  Wish that you were better.” Jim Rohn

The Bible talks about that very topic.

James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

I have to admit, I still struggle counting trials joy.  I’m not a big fan of the “thorns” God sends my way.  God wants more for me than I want for myself.  I often prefer ease, when He wants perfection.  When I think about God’s love for me.  How much He wants for me both in my life here on earth and eternity with Him in heaven.  Then the trials and thorns take on new meaning.  As I dwell on the compassion and grace God has for me during trials as well as the results, the more joy I have.  And the better the results.

God is so good to me.