Coffee Mug Memories

Early each morning as I open my kitchen cabinet, I pause as memories begin to emerge through the mugs before me. Words of encouragement, glimpses of vacations past, inspiring Scripture verses, and reminders of deep friendships speak to my heart. This simple morning ritual sets the tone for my day as I deliberate on the chosen cup.

Which one shall it be today? Will it be the “You Can Write” mug from the life-changing Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop? That would surely fire me up as I head into my office to let the words flow. Or maybe after an exhausting week I need to be whisked away to Cancun through a personalized mug sent from my childhood friend Beth, commemorating our trip.

Or possibly it will be the newest addition to my collection, a delicate bone china mug

purchased on a trip to Wales last fall while visiting my daughter. With each sip, the memories come flooding back: working side by side in an organic garden, sharing our lives over a pint at the local pub, attempting traditional Welsh folk dancing, and experiencing the beautiful sights of Snowdonia National Park. Yes indeed, the container my coffee occupies really does matter!

Of the 20+ mugs tucked securely away in my cabinet, I must admit that the one I reach for the most reads, “I’ve Got This. – God.” With the chaos swirling in our world and the personal challenges that surface unexpectedly, I need to be reminded of this message daily. Although the words etched on my cherished mug are beginning to fade from overuse, the meaning does not. In fact, with Easter this past weekend, the “I’ve Got This” message could not be more evident. And, at the Last Supper, Jesus wanted his disciples – and now us – to remember the sacrifice of his body and blood he was about to endure.

But so often I forget. Once my coffee mug is emptied, it’s off to start another busy day, and sometimes the most essential messages get lost in life’s minutiae. But at least for a moment each morning, I have an opportunity to pause, reflect, and remember what’s most important.

If I created a mug, I wonder what it would read? What would be my message? What would be yours?

And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it,

in remembrance of me.”

(1 Corinthians 11:24-25 NIV)