Taking Tea is so much more than boiling water and adding a few leaves. It is a time to savor a place in our lives for the ritual of sharing. It is making room in our lives for the little extras that nourish the soul. It is a delicious time of tasting teas, enjoying a bit of food, but mostly...thoughtful conversation....or perhaps reflection if you are enjoying a solitary teatime.
Afternoon tea is a wonderful ritual that can bring people together and I think we can all agree that we need more of what unites us instead of dividing us! Women in particular are relational and I believe the simple ritual of taking time for tea together can be a 'tie that binds'. Taking tea is also a wonderful way to unite generations as it is easy to make teatime a multi-generational event.
A favorite Bible verse of mine is 2 Corinthians 4:7 For we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the power is of God and not of us. Hmmmm....Treasure in Earthen Vessels....This gives us each a chance to pour blessing into one another's lives. And that leads us to another verse in the Bible. Mathew 25:35 says "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. Is there someone you know who is hungry for some friendship, thirsting for some kindness, needing a drink of refreshment, longing to be important enough to someone to be shown personal hospitality at your kitchen table?
There were times earlier in my life when my very sanguine dad would pop over and inquire if I had time for some 'tea and repartee'. I must admit that as a mom of 3 kids I wasn't always thrilled with the request...you know the drill...laundry to do, meals to make, dusting, vacuuming, etc. etc. etc. Adding one more thing to my day seemed to be asking a LOT. And then my heart would soften and I would say 'sure, come on in'. Being raised by older parents I seem to know that time was fleeting. And you know, sitting here almost 10 years after their passing I look back and see what tiny moments it really took from my life as well as all of the treasure that was being imparted into my life. I don't remember what meal I cooked, or room I dusted but I have very clear memories of sitting at the kitchen table and (mostly) listening to the generational stories. Included in that conversation were bits of encouragement and hope all tied together with a ribbon of love. Those memories have grown sweeter with age and I consider myself blessed to have had those connections.
This same kind of connection is available to you but it will take a little of your time. I think I can promise you that if you take time to make time for someone (young or old) it could make all the difference in the world. It's the little things that really are the big things in the scheme of things.
So much love, Liz
2 Comments