Revelation 3:20 — “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”

I just pulled a treasure out of a plastic Rubbermaid tub in the basement. Wrapped in old towels, I found a blue-and-white china teacup that belonged to my grandma.

It is worn, a little yellow and chipped in a couple places, but I washed it out anyway and made myself a cup of tea. Why would I do this when I have so many other pretty and perfect teacups? It’s because this teacup is special.

Grandma had a whole set of these Blue Onion dishes, and they are part of my childhood memories. I spent many hours sitting in Grandma’s kitchen sharing a cup of tea with her, Grandpa and other family members.

She taught me to heat water in a large kettle until it reached a rolling boil, prepare the teapot by swishing hot water around to warm the porcelain and let the tea leaves steep until the water was the right color. Then I learned to carefully hold the lid of the teapot while pouring the steaming comfort into the china cups. But I learned so much more than all of this.

For me a cup of tea represented a place of safety and connection with those who loved me. It taught me to have a listening ear for others. Cupped in my hands, it opened up a world of friendship, affection and comfort.

And, over the years I have associated a warm cup of tea with the safe coziness of understanding and love that a deep relationship can give. That is why I usually make myself a cup of tea when I sit down to have time with the Lord. Of all my special relationships, this one is the most satisfying.

Jesus calls all who will listen to open up the door of their hearts and let Him in. He longs to sit down with us and build into us through a deep relationship – one by which we can revel in His listening ear, bottomless compassion, loving correction and deep affection. Who wouldn’t want all of that?

Your great-grandma’s chipped blue-and-white teacup isn’t just a memory from the past. It is a reminder of the deep joy that friendship and love bring. We can have this with each other, but most importantly, can have it with Jesus.

He is knocking at your heart. So put the water on to boil, open up the door and invite Him in. It will be the best cup of tea you ever have.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com