Like many people, my morning ritual begins with a fresh pot of coffee. This morning, as I was pouring my first cup, I allowed myself to be distracted for a moment and soon there was a puddle on the counter.
Looking down I exclaimed, “Yikes! My cup runneth over!” and proceeded to laugh hysterically at the situation and at my cornball response. (Thank goodness no one else was up yet!)
“If only I had a saucer under that mug,” I thought, but teacups and saucers seem to be a relic from the past. In this day and age, we need mugs – the bigger the better.
When I was growing up, we always used tea cups and saucers. My dad actually had a collection of them, picked up from garage sales, barns sales, or the local vintage wares store. When he died, I inherited his collection. The designs are unique and beautiful, but they remain on display behind glass doors, waiting for the day when I can arrange a lovely high tea for some of my tea-loving friends.
It seems drinking from a saucer is a custom of some cultures, but in my house, it was a definite no-no. I was taught it was bad manners to do so, but when no one was looking I was a brazen saucer drinker.
At some point during my faith journey, I began to think of drinking from my saucer as an experience of abundance and a reason for gratitude. No doubt I was influenced by the much-loved 23rd Psalm. My favorite version is the King James version, in which verse 5 reads, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
Today, in a world filled with so much negativity, it is easy to forget just how often our cups runneth over with blessings. I am always grateful for a reminder, which I came across recently while doing some research.
The reminder came in the form of a poem entitled “Drinking from My Saucer,” written by John Paul Moore. I think it speaks to those who, like me, sometimes need to be reminded of blessings in the midst of hardships.
I've never made a fortune and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer 'cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones around me and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer 'cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong,
my faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
And the sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer ‘cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage,
when the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy to help others bear their loads.