Tea pots are very special to me! The children’s song, “I’m A Little Tea Pot” is a tune I remember clearly from kindergarten. Even the motions involved to act out the song remain in my memories. The lyrics have a profound message within the simple words:
“I’m a little tea pot, short and stout,
Here is my handle, here is my spout
When I get all steamed up, hear me shout
Just tip me over and pour me out!"
At home my mom often had a fresh pot of tea on the kitchen table during meal times. It was not a fancy china pot, constructed from simple aluminum; the small pot was practical and inexpensive. The tea pot brought out special feelings of comfort and relaxation.
As an adult I became a tea drinker, choosing tea and sugar when served hot, and unsweetened when iced tea. When I was in my 40’s I began to collect tea pots, starting my collection with a gift from my daughter. Later she was living in England, when her husband was stationed at Lakenheath AFB, near Cambridge. During two visits with her family I had the treat of enjoying the most delicious tea I had ever tasted!
After Mom died I had the blessing of adding a white porcelain, gold trimmed tea set to my collection, which had been a 50th wedding anniversary gift to Grandma and Grandpa Ford. It is a center piece attraction on my dining room table, and cherished in my heart.
Now, back to our song… As a Christian I can be a vessel for service, “God’s Little Tea Pot.” I am “little,” at five feet tall; that is a match. Am I “stout?” I’m trying to avoid middle age spread; so, I’ll skip that one! I guess the “handle” would represent my hands to be reaching out, to touch, and give to others. What about my “spout?” That would represent a life open, and free of sin, allowing God to work through me. The “steam” is a picture of God’s glory, just as smoke filled the temple. What do we hear when the tea begins to boil? A whistle is our signal, to remove the pot from the stove. I desire my life to express the melody of joy, praise and music. Those around me may be led to “give a little whistle!”
Now, for the finished product…; it is time to “pour me out!” Our lives should be a living sacrifice. “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Romans 12:1 NAS).” We should be poured out and empty of selfishness, allowing the Holy Spirit to take control, flowing into the lives of others. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering (2 Timothy 4:6a NAS).” I’m a “Little Tea Pot,” and it is always tea time! Won’t you join me?
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