The Mug Tree

 The Mug Tree

At the Athelas base camp we have our mug tree.  It's a cool post set a couple of feet into the ground with a bunch of nails sticking out like porcupine quills.  Each holds a different mug so that retreating adventurers will know for the duration of their time with us which cup is theirs.  There is the bright orange Boise, ID mug donated by a traveling friend. There is the Wells Fargo travel mug.  The large creamy white mug with grapevines given by my youngest daughter.  A favorite is the shiny brown square mug.  A mug with butterflies made in Mexico stands out brightly. All different, all able to appeal to a certain retreat participant.  They choose their cup the first day of arrival. It is interesting to see how many will remember what their cup looks like or remember the instructions that come with it.  "This is your cup.  Remember it.  Don't use any other cup.  Give it to us to wash or wash it yourself but don't forget which cup is yours."  By the end of a retreat most people have down the concept.  It is interesting to see what happens when camp has visitors who are unaware of the protocol.  Coffee pot always being on, you can bet a guest or visitor will be offered a drink...cold or hot.  They find a cup and use it.  If the 'owner' of that cup happens by the reactions can be quite amusing.  Most will realize a guest is a guest and wouldn't know the inside scoop. Others will look at me with big eyes and questioning mouths.  I smile and let them figure it out.   The Mug Tree is a very practical tool...but it is also a lesson in life.  We are all different...unique...different colors, different shapes, made in different places.  We may or may not naturally know how to share ourselves.  But one thing we learn we all have in common is that we are vessels used by God to quench the thirst of those whom we serve.  The Mug Tree stands in its place as a testament to that lesson.