I came across this in one of my groups. I really love it because it is a story, and a poem, about Gratitude, Blessing, and History. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

In today’s chaotic, confusing, and self destructive world, filled with so much anger, rage, and hate, it is so easy to forget to be grateful, feel blessed, and to remember and reflect, and look inward and forward with hope in sincerity.

When we don’t have gratitude, reflection, and hope, we ourselves to the very core become lost, and consumed. Consumed by more than our problems. Consumed by more than just living. We become consumed by the ‘negative what ifs’, not the ‘positive what ifs’. We become lost, and fail to see any future with us in it in happiness, joy, or even a smile on our face.

In saying this, I believe one can literally manifest their own demise and failure. Since I believe we can manifest positivity, enlightenment, and enrichment, I can not ignore that there must be an opposite. Much like Ying and Yang. Or light and darkness. How do you see the light, if you are only in the dark? How do you appreciate the light, if you do not respect the dark? How are you grateful for your perseverance, endurance, and tenacity, if you have not known or understood and respected the struggle? Ying and Yang.

I believe in finding balance in gratitude and respect, happiness thru acknowledging and respecting the sorrow and struggle. By doing so you can find peace. I am not saying you can live your entire life without negative things happening. For life happens. I am saying to not allow yourself, your mind, your soul, your being, to wallow in despair, or frustration, or fear. To trap yourself in the negative. Acknowledge the emotions, acknowledge the situation. But be grateful for what light you have. Build upon that. Build your strength from that. That in itself is a blessing. For some people can’t do that, or won’t do that. Some people enjoy the misery. How it makes them feel. So much so they draw their power from it, from their darkness, and try to make others miserable because of it. I am sure you have heard the saying, “misery loves company”.

Instead of wallowing, or drowning in misery, anger, or frustration, be grateful in the light that can grow, like a beacon of hope, compassion, and happiness. This poem reminds me not to get lost in a world filled with hate, doubt, fear, and loathing. Instead, focus on my gratitude for having my light. Work on making it stronger. Cultivate and nuture my light. Grow my gratitude and thankfulness. Help others, so their light shines brightly.

Namaste

(Make sure to read to the end, there are three stories told here)

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My grandmother always drank her coffee like this! I thought it was because it was too hot.
Do you remember older generations drinking from their saucer?  Then today I came across this poem that made me feel there was symbolism to the coffee ritual. 

Drinking from My Saucer
by John Paul Moore

I’ve never made a fortune and it’s probably too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow.

And as I go along life’s way, I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

I don’t have a lot of riches, and sometimes the going’s tough.
But I’ve got loved ones around me, and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He’s bestowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer, ’Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.

So God, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I’ve hoed. I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough. I’ll not ask for other blessings, I’m already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

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So, of course I had to Google AI what was the actual tradition about. Here is Google’s AI answer.

In the 18th century, especially during Victorian times, it was common to pour coffee or tea into a saucer and drink it from the saucer itself. The saucer’s larger surface area allowed the beverage to cool down more quickly, while the coffee in the cup remained hot until the drinker was ready for more. 

As for the actual writer and timeline of the poem/story/song, it goes like this…

The exact date of origin for the poem “Drinking from My Saucer” remains unclear, with conflicting attributions and publications around the 1970s. Here’s a breakdown of the available information:
Possible Authors:
John Paul Moore:
Most online sources credit the poem to John Paul Moore, with some suggesting a 1970 publication date.

Jimmy Dean:
Some websites attribute the poem to singer and actor Jimmy Dean, though concrete evidence is lacking.

Unknown:
The poem’s origin might predate these attributions, with its authorship remaining unknown.
Publication Timeline:

1969:
One anecdotal account mentions a woman observing her future mother-in-law enjoying coffee and “drinking from her saucer” in 1969, suggesting the poem might have existed then.

1970s:
Various online sources mention a 1970s publication date for the poem, though specific details are scarce.

Present Day:
The poem continues to be circulated online and appears in various inspirational collections, often with unconfirmed authorship.

Challenges in Dating the Poem:

Multiple Attributions: The conflicting attributions to different authors make it difficult to pinpoint the original source.

Limited Publication History: Lack of information about its initial publication hinders precise dating.

Oral Tradition: The poem might have been circulated orally before being formally written down, further obscuring its origin.

Conclusion:
While the exact date of “Drinking from My Saucer” remains elusive, the available evidence suggests it likely emerged around the 1970s. Attributions to John Paul Moore and Jimmy Dean are prevalent, but the poem’s true origin might be unknown. Its continued circulation and positive message of gratitude and abundance have ensured its enduring legacy.

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So, you see you learned something new today as did I. I realized a sentiment, a moral to story one would say, and a tradition I had no idea existed.

If you liked this story, please hit the like button. As always feel free to share, comment, or ask questions.

L