by Pauline Reneaux
A few months ago, I started posting photos of my coffee cups on social media in the morning. This simple act made me ask myself, have you ever thought about the words you tell yourself in the morning? Sometimes it isn’t about the words on our coffee cup, but the words we tell ourselves when we start our day that we should be thinking about.
To some, this might just look like a Walmart coffee cup, but to me I see the beautiful robin’s egg blue. It reminds me of art and creativity. It makes me think of spring, when the robins first begin to appear, and it’s a lot cooler outside. More importantly, it reminds me to appreciate the little things that surround me.
In a world that tries to bombard us with images and opinions, sometimes we have to let the words on our coffee cups or sticky notes on our bathroom mirror motivate us, encourage us, and remind us of the incredible creations that God made each of us to be.
Speaking life affirming words over ourselves and those we love is self-care at its finest. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is, reminding ourselves and those around us we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” brings peace to our lives. The verse doesn’t say we are ONLY “fearfully and wonderfully made” when we reach our New Year’s Resolution goal. When we can truly find peace and embrace that He has made each of us wonderfully so we can fulfill the purpose He has for our lives, then … then, we can also possess a peace that passes all understanding. As you drink your morning coffee, may you too embrace the fact that you were “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
I tried making pottery earlier this year and is that ever challenging. That experience also made me appreciate the work that He puts in when we are on the Potter’s wheel. This experience made the verse on another one of my coffee cups even more special. “Be still and know” may be on my coffee cup with a chip, but it reminds me that even when life isn’t perfect, I need to “Be still and know” that everything is going to be okay. This is tough for all of us at times. But, at the same time, it reminds me that meditating on His Word can provide comfort through all of life … the perfect and not so perfect times.
The verse Romans 15:13 is on one of my favorites, “With her joy she spreads hope. With her faith she moves mountains.” This verse not only inspires me, but completely describes the woman I always want to be. I hope my life and the words that I send out into the world can provide others with hope. In the same breath, I hope my faith allows me to move mountains so that others can see it only takes a mustard seed worth because, sometimes, that may be all I have left to hold on to. The important part is that I still hold on through it all.
I hope today your coffee is warm and your faith is strong, and your coffee cup inspires you! And, if you’re like me, I’m always praying “God bless this hot mess.”
May your day be filled with little blessings!
Pauline
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