Reflections: Parting Gifts

The question of the week in Bible study was "What going away gift have you given/or have been given that still warms your heart and makes you smile ?" 

I immediately thought of the tea cup that a very elderly neighbor gave to me when we were moving. Milt and Noonie were in their late 80's and lived in the other half of our rented duplex. They were wonderful and often very surprising. They had rowdy and ruckus Sunday afternoon dinners with their family that always involved lots of wine and laughter that could be heard through the walls. They firmly believed in 5 p.m. cocktail hour and taking a break every morning to sit and have a cup of tea. 

When we moved, Noonie gave me a tea cup and saucer and said it was her family tradition to give this as a going away present. The tea cup always reminds me of Noonie's wisdom, her joyous spirit, and her terrific habit of taking a little time each day to rest, have a drink, and appreciate what God has made. 

 This week in scripture we are reading the account of Jesus' Ascension. 

Read Acts 1: 6-4.

Jesus, after his death and resurrection, is lifted up into the clouds and scripture says he disappears. His parting gift to his very confused and amazed followers was the message that they are to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit and that they are the ones that will tell his story, the story of God's great love for us. 

So, today I think I will have a cup of tea in honor of Noonie and reflect on all the good things in my life that God has made. 

What going away gifts have you received/given? 
What are some ways that you can tell the story of God's love?