Saucer Sippin’ Saint

My routine visit with Dr. Douglas was quite interesting. The usual question was asked, “How are you doing?” and my unusual response was, “I’m a saucer sippin’ saint!” His face was so readable. “Poor Val, what has happened to her now?” His look led to this explanation about my condition.

 

The Twenty-Third Psalm has always been a favorite, but recently, perhaps because of aging, new truths have been revealed to me.  A phrase from verse 6 caught my attention, my cup overflows. A vivid picture of my great-grand father appeared. He often poured his boiling coffee into his saucer and sipped the delicious drink. My life can be expressed by this illustration. Life for me has overflowed with blessings and I am living from the saucer.

 

This abundant life can be illustrated by the following acrostic from the word “saint”:

 

S—Salvation. My blessings have come from a 10-year-old’s decision to follow Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Faithful Sunday School teachers taught me to love Him. My parents did not attend church, so I am forever indebted to these servants of the Lord who loved me and loved Jesus.

 

A—Available. One important lesson about being a saint is to be available to God’s leading. Many senior adults today have ceased serving because they consider themselves to deserve a rest since they have done their part. A favorite gospel song expresses these thoughts, “The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows.” Enjoy your spiritual gifts until you meet the Giver of the gift.

 

I—Involve. Your cup will overflow as you involve new people in your life. Of course, old friends provide more comfort and understand you better, but blessings come when you introduce yourself to someone new. Dr. Douglas has a nurse named Dimond. We have become friends during my office visits. What a delight she is to me! This relationship is not a long-term experience, but something I look forward to on appointment days.

 

N—Name. Begin to name some of the blessings God has “poured into your cup” in the past. Look back with thanksgiving instead of negative experiences. Write down some of those cup-filling blessings in this space:

 

T—Time. Earthly time is drawing to a close and you are getting nearer to God’s heavenly time. “Cup-filling” will not happen in a recliner watching TV for hours. Make time for activities. Many churches and other organizations have Senior Adult programs that are lots of fun. Find a friend and get involved in some of the special activities.

 

So, my answer to Dr. Douglas was, “I’m just sippin’ from my saucer ‘cause my cup is overflowing with blessings.” He smiled!!!

 

—Val Harvey is retired and living in Franklin, TN