A surprising solution

 

Ketchup, yes, ketchup, was the solution to one little household dilemma. I found it quite by accident, one morning when  I was doing some general cleaning.  A plate was still sitting on the my grandmothers antique brass plate, on a coffee table from the previous evening. I picked it up, and proceeded to wipe up an errant spot of barbecue sauce.  I was quite surprised to find that the spot where the barbecue sauce had been now shone like a new penny.   Off to the local dollar store I went, and, after consulting with one of the clerks, came home with 2 bottles of ketchup.  Wow.  It did better than that and expensive, smelly, and very poisonous metal polish.  Not surprisingly, a quick Google search confirmed my accidental discovery.  Who knew?  I, certainly was quite happy to find an easy and environmentally friendly solutions to one daily conundrum.  

The Smell of Tea

The smell of tea is comforting to me. Classic English Breakfast is my favorite. I love the smell of the tea, the warmth of the mug in my hand, the creamy sweetness after I add milk and honey. Whether I’m in my office bent over the filing cabinet, navigating interstate traffic, or enjoying a meal in a restaurant, tea transports me. Part of me returns to the comfort of my favorite chair. Tea brings back sensations of safety, wellness, and family. I remember the Bible verses that promise life in a land of milk and honey. I feel prosperous, even if biting my nails because of unexpected bills. Milk and honey. Milk and honey. Milk requires cows, which each grain, which needs rain. Honey takes bees, flowers, and so forth. Richness, harvest, security. I hold my tea, pause for a moment, then go on with my day. In seasons of drought, the promise of milk and honey can give us the strength to put one foot in front of the other. In seasons of plenty, the same things should ignite gratitude and generosity. All of the comforts of home, and the promises of Heaven, are reflected in my twelve ounce mug.