And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3.18
Being on the boat and away from family and friends meant Christmas presents were few and far between as logistically it hasn’t been easy to exchange gifts. Imagine my delight then when I popped home last weekend (R was in a local hospital) and found a Christmas present to us from our lovely friends JQ and MQ. Taking it back to the boat we excitedly opened it and to be honest were slightly underwhelmed by the choice of gift – two dark chunky mugs! I thought JQ knew me better. I like my tea out of delicate fine bone china, looking attractive. Never mind, I thought, I could perhaps pass them eventually to son P – they were more his cup of tea. Just as I was about to rebox them I looked a little closer and then it dawned on me. Filling a kettle (oh, I do miss my hot water tap on occasions!) I waited impatiently for the water to boil. I then poured it into the mugs and result!
Of course, the mugs were not just any old black mugs – I should have realised that. (P would have been surprised, a bachelor of 23!) No, these mugs are special, and fun, and every time I drink my tea from them (over looking the chunky element!) they make me smile and think of my friend JQ, with her sense of humour who knew we would appreciate them and the sentiment. She had even written a cryptic message on the card saying R and I should really be giving these to each other. I should have smelt a rat!
So, the mug story got me thinking. How often do we need transforming from feeling a bit dark into someone with more light and purpose. Or can we be accused of ignoring someone we think of as rather dull, but it we give them our love and attention, they flourish and we see their inner radiance emerge.
Just as the hot water transformed the cup, so God’s Holy Spirit at work within us, can transform us into the people God calls us to be. People of light, who reflect His character in our daily living so that we may draw others into his loving embrace.
NarrowboatTLC 