With every invitation there is a sense of mystery and anticipation. Maybe even dread, if you are an introvert. But one invitation that has been handed to me and anyone who follows Jesus gives pause to the receiving. It is His invitation to join in the fellowship of His suffering.

Oh no, Lord, anything but that! Please……..

But He gently persists in His request to join Him in that exclusive companionship. Ever courteous, always the gentleman, drawing me forward in the hard places that require me to leave something of myself behind. Yet, I resist out of fear of the unknown, of anticipated pain (physical and emotional), of loss. I can only see the negatives from this whole process. Is it really necessary, Lord? Must I follow you there?

He leans close and reminds me that is was for joy’s sake He went to the cross for me so that I could have the blessing of His presence in this earthly life as well as the next. True love requires sacrifice; suffering. To leave a part of yourself behind for the sake of the ones you truly love. The union that results is joyous!

True Christianity is the sharing by example the life of Christ through our own, in all aspects.

He holds your invitation in His nail-scarred hand. Will you receive it?
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This was written in response to the prompt to write for five minutes on one word for that day, in this case ‘invite’. If you’re interested in finding out how you can join this community of writers/encouragers, check out Five Minute Friday. 

Hot tea is my go-to beverage morning, noon, and night. Recollections of visiting my British grandmother’s home evokes happy memories of sitting at her kitchen table waiting for the kettle to whistle and drinking fresh-brewed tea as hot as I could take it.

Conversation would rise just like the steam in each cuppa’. Bits of news. Quick little catch-ups. Happy silence with a few sips here and there.

I had to chuckle as I was filling the canister with tea bags this morning. I wasn’t going to write anything today. But God got my attention with a phrase printed on the flap of the tea box. Every cup tells a story.

Really?

As I thought about it, I could see that it’s true. Each time I put the kettle on I am at a different part of my day. The first cup is my wake-up buddy. The second cup is a warm encouragement to begin the tasks for the day. Subsequent cups fuel me and give me pause as each one is consumed.

I’m not sharing my story with another person, per se, but the experience brings me in touch with soothing memories and a reminder that I do have a Companion who is with me at all times.
 
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Five Minute Friday is a community of writers who encourage each other as they free write for five minutes and share their results.