Beech Tree News Network

Author John Steinbeck - (Grapes of Wrath; Cannery Row; Travels with Charlie), said once the most satisfying glass of teas he ever had was with an old arab sheep herder: “We sipped tea in his tent, in a not-too-clean-a-glass, in the middle of a desert.” 

“Yet we shared pleasant exchanges and good conservation, both of us enjoyed to the fullest neither of us commenting on the quality of the tea. One way or the other. Tea was not the primary or the important thing. Yet we shared pleasant exchanges and good conversation, both of us enjoyed to the fullest- neither of us commenting on the quality of the tea, one way or the other. Teas was not the primary or the important thing. “

Dag Hammarskjold said, “The pride of the cup is in the serving - what do its defects matter?”

We remember the occasion when Jesus visited the home of his friendly Mary and Martha.  Martha was all a flutter, seeing this was right and that was right… the best cups were used for refreshments - and so on.

Yet all the while Mary sat at the masters’ feet and enjoyed their honored guest.  Martha missed the blessing - things and stuff got in her way - she couldn’t see the forest for the trees… namely the Savior of HIS glory. 

Would you believe at one paint Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to get up and help her! 

I’m told of a woman sitting beside her dying husband’s hospital bed, jumped up when some of the rest of the family came in and said, “ I’m glad you all got here to stay with him. I’ve got to go home and clean out my refrigerator. 

I don’t remember who said it but its good to ponder:  THE INTENSE OF OUR ANXIETY REVEALS TO WHAT A GREAT EXTENT WE ARE STILL FETTERED TO THE EARTH - ALIENATED FROM GOD. 

Kindest regards...