Recently I read a quote that tickled my funny bone, causing me to pause and reflect.  “People are like tea bags. “

Hum! Wet and soggy? Full of dead leaves? Like a puppet with string(s) attached to the top of our head? No! The author of this intriguing phrase  was more inventive.  Reading the rest of the quote, I remained puzzled.

“People are like tea bags. If you want to know what’s inside them, drop them into hot water”

      Somehow I never thought of my self as a soggy bag of wet tea leaves, stuck into a cup of steaming water. What could the author possibly mean? Apparently dry tea leaves are not worthy of nibbling on. Experimenting, I discovered that placing a bag into ice water did not produce a tasty drink. No, you needed hot water to find the true taste of the tea leaves.

     Could that be true of people? Do tough, scary, worrisome, “hot water” situations cause the “real” person to demonstrate their personality and behavior?  Probably the answer is yes.

     Christmas holidays often become a time of extra stress. Hours at work may be extended as the Fed-X guy frantically attempt to deliver everyones package on time. Sales clerks wonder if some people can ever be pleased, as weary workers attempt to find the desired item on a crowded self of toys. Parents scramble to combine daily chores with the added burden of preparing for Santa’s stop over at their home. Programs, choir rehearsals, parties, and/or travel plans produce tears and stress, as time schedules are stretched.

     Yeah! The Christian has the opportunity to demonstrate that the hot waters of life can  really  produce a wonderful example of “God being in control of their lives.” Tempers are quieted. Peace, calm, helpfulness, and patience spring forth as God’s child dashes around these December days. Frazzled moms and pops become comforting parents, as they allow God’s peace to take control of their actions.

     Jesus came to visit Mary and Martha. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words of wisdom. Martha, however, was “. . . distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked,’Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!'” (Luke 10:38-40).

    The “hot water” experience of the two sisters resulted in very different actions. Today, as you face challenges and stress, will your experience result in Mary like peace and calm as you listen to the Master quietly whisper in your ear?  Alternatively, will Martha’s  “kitchen” priorities and stress move you to respond in unfriendly, almost mean spirited actions?

    Pray today for peace and tranquility, combined with moments of reflection and thanksgiving as the hot waters of life splash over you. Be a tasty tea bag for God.