A 10 Cent Cup of Sunshine

A 10 Cent Cup of Sunshine

By Vickie G. Paver

I love that first cup of coffee in the morning. The aroma revives my senses and brings me out of my morning inertia. Of course, that first cup of coffee is not the same unless you drink it from a favorite cup. If I don't find a clean, favorite cup, the day is not the same, at least for a little while. Funny how we let the little things dictate our moods. Favorite cups are very important for setting moods.

I collect all kinds of coffee cups: Cutesy, holiday, funny, country, and pretty ones. I've paid 10 cents to $30.00 dollars for a cup. My all-time favorite one is a 10-cent cup that I got from my friend Mildred at her garage sale. On the front of the cup are printed the words, "Brighten Your Day." Beside the words is a picture of a blue bird and a smiling sunshine. One morning as I reached for the cup I dropped it. As I stooped to pick it up, I saw that it was chipped and I literally sat on the floor and cried. You may think that I am terribly attached to a cup that only cost 10 cents. I admit that I am. This old, and now chipped cup, is more than a just a cup. It is a reminder of who my friend was while here on earth. She was a cup of sunshine in the gloomiest of days. Looking at her you would have wondered how she could have gathered an ounce of joy or happiness. Mildred lived with severe arthritis, heart problems and other physical problems. She was in continual pain, yet she continued to be that cup of sunshine to many. She "sweet talked" everyone, calling them honey, sweetie pie, pumpkin and precious. No one ever seemed to mind because it came natural to her and you knew she wasn't just trying to charm you. Everyone knew when Mildred loved him or her. She let the love of God shine in and through her in spite of her pain. When I drink coffee out of my 10-cent cup I am reminded of how much she loved me. I never doubted her love and thank God that she touched my life.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

As we near December 25, 1999 in celebration of Christ's birth, I am reminded of someone else who loves me so very much. God gave His only son Jesus to be born as a babe in a manger and later sent Him to die on the cross for my sins and yours. I know He loves me without a doubt and I am grateful.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (NKJ)

Link: How to become a child of God.

vpaver@paversnest.com

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