How is Marriage like a Cup of Tea?

Valentine's Day is a popular time for proposals and weddings, so I thought this might be a good tme to revisit how marriage is like a cup of tea.

The unique leaves, spices and blossoms combined in our favorite tea create an experience far greater than the sum of its ingredients. When God brings together a husband and wife, He unites their special blend of gifts, talents, and personality traits to create one flesh from two individuals – a single being with far greater potential than each has separately (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:8).

The one required ingredient for tea is water. No marriage can thrive without the “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) flowing from Jesus Christ as the Head of the couple, portraying the self-sacrificing love husbands should have for their wives (Ephesians 5:25). That Living Water forever quenches their thirst and gives them everlasting life, so that not even death can separate them (John 4: 14).

Tea refreshes, revives, comforts, warms and relaxes us all at the same time, just as husband and wife do for one another. This is possible only through the fire of the Holy Spirit, or Comforter (John 14:16), Who lovingly nurtures all who have trusted in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus as the only Way to Heaven (1 Corinthians. 15:1-4; John 14:6). 

A hearty cup of hot tea can give us our second wind when our spirits sag, just as husband and wife rejuvenate one another. God Himself has promised to revive our spirit and our heart (Psalm 85:6; 138:7) when we turn to Him asking forgiveness (Psalm 51:10), with the humility (Isaiah 57:15) of knowing that without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But with Him, all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26). 

God gives the couple strength (Isaiah 40:31), patience (James 1:2-8), peace (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7; 2 Corinthians 13:11) and joy (Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 27:6; 32:11; 35:9) when they seek Him daily (Psalm 61:8; 68:19), and not just in times of trouble. Those of us who enjoy tea normally do so daily, and so it should be with seeking God’s comfort. 

Tea needs just the right amount of heat and steeping to brew to perfection. So husbands and wives shouldn’t be surprised when God allows them to get into hot water! We don’t always understand why God allows trouble into our life, but we can trust Him to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). 

Tough times strengthen our faith in Him, our dependence on Him and our closeness to one another (James 1). Suffering makes husband and wife resemble Christ more closely (Philippians 3:10), and gives them compassion, wisdom and experience to help one another and others going through similar trials (Galatians 6:2; James 3:17). 

Offering another person a cup of tea (or even water; Mark 9:41) is a loving gesture of kindness and hospitality, evoking images of a grandmother inviting her grandchild to snuggle under a warm blanket in her rocking chair while sipping tea, or a family allowing a stranger to come in out of the storm and warm himself by the fire as a cup of hot tea takes the chill off his bones. 

God comforts us in our sorrow and trials by showing us His tender mercies (Lamentations 3:22), so that we can comfort others who are suffering (2 Corinthians.1:3). May our love for our spouse always exemplify kindness, patience, self-sacrifice, joy, truth and hope (1 Corinthians 13). Once the tea has brewed, the process is irreversible. Unique blessings from husband and wife mingle together forever in this mystery that portrays the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:32). So what God has put together, let no man put asunder! (Matthew 19:4-6)

Praying for all married couples to grow closer daily to one another and to Him, fulfilling the amazing plan He has for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11), and for renewed joy in and commitment to one another and to Him! 

© 2016 Laurie Collett
Reposted from the archives

How is Marriage like a Cup of Tea?

To my son Brendan and daughter-in-love Lindsay, on their wedding day

The unique leaves, spices and blossoms combined in our favorite tea create an experience far greater than the sum of its ingredients. When God brings together a husband and wife, He unites their special blend of gifts, talents, and personality traits to create one flesh from two individuals – a single being with far greater potential than each has separately (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:8).

The one required ingredient for tea is water. No marriage can thrive without the “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) flowing from Jesus Christ as the Head of the couple, portraying the self-sacrificing love husbands should have for their wives (Ephesians 5:25). That Living Water forever quenches their thirst and gives them everlasting life, so that not even death can separate them (John 4: 14).

Tea refreshes, revives, comforts, warms and relaxes us all at the same time, just as husband and wife do for one another. This is possible only through the fire of the Holy Spirit, or Comforter (John 14:16), Who lovingly nurtures all who have trusted in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus as the only Way to Heaven (1 Corinthians. 15:1-4; John 14:6).

A hearty cup of hot tea can give us our second wind when our spirits sag, just as husband and wife rejuvenate one another. God Himself has promised to revive our spirit and our heart (Psalm 85:6; 138:7) when we turn to Him asking forgiveness (Psalm 51:10), with the humility (Isaiah 57:15) of knowing that without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But with Him, all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26).

God gives the couple strength (Isaiah 40:31), patience (James 1:2-8), peace (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7; 2 Corinthians 13:11) and joy (Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 27:6; 32:11; 35:9) when they seek Him daily (Psalm 61:8; 68:19), and not just in times of trouble. Those of us who enjoy tea normally do so daily, and so it should be with seeking God’s comfort.

Tea needs just the right amount of heat and steeping to brew to perfection. So husbands and wives shouldn’t be surprised when God allows them to get into hot water! We don’t always understand why God allows trouble into our life, but we can trust Him to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Tough times strengthen our faith in Him, our dependence on Him and our closeness to one another (James 1). Suffering makes husband and wife resemble Christ more closely (Philippians 3:10), and gives them compassion, wisdom and experience to help one another and others going through similar trials (Galatians 6:2; James 3:17).

Offering another person a cup of tea (or even water; Mark 9:41) is a loving gesture of kindness and hospitality, evoking images of a grandmother inviting her grandchild to snuggle under a warm blanket in her rocking chair while sipping tea, or a family allowing a stranger to come in out of the storm and warm himself by the fire as a cup of hot tea takes the chill off his bones.

God comforts us in our sorrow and trials by showing us His tender mercies (Lamentations 3:22), so that we can comfort others who are suffering (2 Corinthians.1:3). Brendan and Lindsay are compassionate, loving people – may they continue to treat one another with the same tenderness, understanding and generosity they show to others. May their love always exemplify kindness, patience, self-sacrifice, joy, truth and hope (1 Corinthians 13).

Once the tea has brewed, the process is irreversible. Unique blessings from husband and wife mingle together forever in this mystery that portrays the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:32). So what God has put together, let no man put asunder! (Matthew 19:4-6)

Praying for Brendan and Lindsay daily to grow closer to one another and to Him, fulfilling the amazing plan He has for their lives! (Jeremiah 29:11) And praying for all married couples, for renewed joy in and commitment to one another and to Him! 

© 2016 Laurie Collett

The Wedding Dance

As i am looking forward to a bridal shower for my son's fiancee, and thanking God for having brought such a Godly woman into his life, my thoughts turn to the beautiful analogy of marriage reflecting the relationship between Christ and His church. I pray for every reader that our marriages will honor Him, and that we may all have a blessed Valebtine's Day basking in His love. May you enjoy this repost from the archives.
 
In this dream, I hear a flute melody whispering on the breeze from far away, and I follow it across the hills to a country hamlet, nestled in the valley among pine trees, surrounded by rocky cliffs.

A young couple has just exchanged their marriage vows, and although the ceremony is over, the celebration is in full swing. The villagers clap in time to the music, joyously tapping their feet, joining in on tambourines and lyres. But all eyes are fixed on the couple, joined as one in the wedding dance. 

He wears white trousers and boots, topped by a princely white shirt and cape, and she is in a simple, long white frock, trimmed in hand spun lace. Both have crowns of fragrant wildflowers encircling their heads – his red roses and white lilies, and hers baby’s breath and forget-me-nots.

 

He is strong and handsome, his muscular arms protecting and guiding her through every move. Although the clearing where they twirl together is uneven, with rocky ledges and gulches, he never misses a step. As she clings to him and gazes up into his riveting eyes, her footing is sure, but when her attention drifts, distracted by others in the crowd, she stumbles. Yet even as she loses her balance he stabilizes her, whisking her away from danger and closer to him.

 

Soon the light changes from the midday sun illuminating the white fields, scattered like sheep on the hillside, to the long dusty beams of purple and maroon at sunset. The music changes too, sometimes tender and romantic, sometimes pounding with excitement and power, with bursts of joy intermingled with sad, soulful melodies that make me weep.

 

Yet the couple dances on, for he beautifully interprets every nuance of the changing rhythms. Boastful young men try to cut in, but she does not give them her hand any more than she would give away her heart, for it is promised to her beloved. As the sun sets, wolves and coyotes howl from the cliffs, and though she shudders, she buries her face in his chest and they waltz on.

 

A band of gypsy marauders presses in on the crowd, their raucous taunts and violins nearly drowning out the haunting flute melody, so that I must strain to hear it. But the couple still dances, moving together in perfect harmony with the flute and with each other, the bride following the groom’s perfect lead through turns, drops and sways. By now she is weary and physically drained, yet his vibrant energy sustains her, and he supports and even carries her when her strength wanes.  

 

Thunder echoes off the cliffs; then the skies open in a drenching downpour. The earth beneath the couple’s feet dissolves into mud, yet his attire and her bridal gown remain pristine. The flowers in his crown began to separate, revealing rainbows sparkling from golden, bejeweled crowns beneath, and I suddenly realize Who He is! The haunting trumpet sound and brilliant flash of lightning pierce the darkened sky and they vanish, caught up together in the heavens. 

 

As I awoke I thanked Him for being my betrothed, my beloved spouse (Song of Solomon 5:1), for guiding me through the dance of life. How blessed I am by  the promise that one day my Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) will return for me and catch me up with Him in the clouds (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) where we will celebrate our marriage feast (Revelation 19:7-9), never to be parted.

 

In the meantime, He is my shelter from the storm (Psalm 61:1-3) and my refuge from all harm (Psalm 91). He illuminates and steadies my path (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:6), catches me when I stumble (Psalm 91:12), and keeps me unspotted and blameless through His imputed righteousness (Romans 4:22-25; 5:17-21; Revelation 19:7).

 

If I keep my eyes fixed upon His face I will not fear the harms and threats around me (Numbers 21:8), as He is my strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10) and my Fortress (Psalm 71:3). When I am weary, I can lean on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and He will carry me (Isaiah 40:11), for His strength is made perfect in my weakness, and His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).  

 

May I always focus on the tender, soft melody of His love song (Zephaniah 3:17), of His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12) and shut out the world clamoring around me (Romans 12:2). May I await His swift return (Revelation 11:14; 22:7,12,20) with the patience of the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-12), separated and holy through His grace (Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; 1 Peter 1:15), my lamp burning brightly with the Holy Spirit.

 

How I long to hear that trumpet sound heralding my immediate transport to that celebration in the clouds, when my Beloved and I will be together forever! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

© 2013 Laurie Collett