Cinnamon tea

I feel like God opened my eyes this morning.  It is often amazing to me how gently, how slowly, and how much patience He has.  I think I would have given up on me by the time I turned 18. 

We have had a cinnamon tree growing on the property here for many years.  A novelty, we didn't know what we were doing when we bought it, it just seemed cool.  Despite just being planted and left, in the shadow of a now huge avocado tree no less, it has continued to grow and is now about eight feet tall.  Recently we decided to look up what is required to harvest cinnamon, and Oscar and Jorge gave it a try, with Maria looking after it and using it afterwards.  

This morning, Valerie got some of it, and made cinnamon tea.  I had some.  Tasted like cinnamon water, not too bad! 

I have been a bit depressed of late (uh, who hasn't?) and also thinking about the measures society uses for prosperity, specifically financial.  I probably was coveting a couple times in my mind, maybe jealous a bit if I am honest at seeing a few things.  Really I would describe those feelings as...a lack of focus and vision (oh, and sin, lest I forget.)    

Not to get way too over personal for comfort, but that tea this morning was a "breath of fresh smack in the head" reminding me...treasure, prosperity, and joy, doesn't come ultimately where we think it does.

That might not make a lot of sense to you, I'm not sure, but it was clear as day for me.
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3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
    nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Let's hope it sticks with me for a while. ​