Lent Day 3: Health, happiness, and wisdom

In a little tea shop, I read the advertisements for products. "Gifts with Meaning: Exotic Treasures Rich with Symbolism" is the title on the brochure. Their headlines:

• Love and Beauty - pink teapots, strawberry teas, and boxed sets
• Longevity, Strength, and Happiness - blue and gold teaware and blueberry teas
• Hope, Friendship, and Peace - orange and purple porcelain and lavender white teas
• Wisdom and Enlightenment - clay iron teapots, Oolong teas, and a set of crane-decorated teacups

Beautiful photos and text, but deceptive. No pretty tea cup or pot, no sips of dried leaves, and no imaginative advertising can bring the quality of life to which the clients of this teashop aspire.

Only in Christ do we find the fulfillment our hearts long for. As we reflect the way of the cross, we find God's marvelous peace and love accompanying us on our journey. Jesus is God's Gift of Deepest Meaning. Following him, we drink in and pour out God's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness... and so much more.