Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Enjoying the Gifts of Our Labor.......


How I wish you could join me for a cup of tea and a freshly baked scone!  The joy of joining someone that we enjoy conversation with is always a reason to celebrate! In my thinking, the British have us beat on the stopping point in their afternoon when they enjoy "taking tea".  My youngest daughter is married to a handsome Englishman.  He is truly British through and through.  He loves my daughter dearly and knowing how much she is loved and cared for is the only reason I can stand the separation of an ocean!  His parents work together in their business out of their home, but everyday they stop in the afternoon and have tea.  From all indications, this is a very pleasant time of the day.  All stops!  Just conversation, the kettle, tea, cream, and sugar.  Sounds lovely to me and the photo above is from my own tea time at The Mandeville Hotel in the Marylebone area of London!

When you invite someone into your home, do you spend more time in preparing your home and the table setting in comparison to the importance of the grace with which it is prepared and offered?  This may be why tea time is so wonderful for British people, the focus is the time spent with another, like a cup of comfort.  I have heard it is like getting a hug from someone.  There is no rush or schedule.  

In this busy time of the year, may you and I remember that spiritual nourishment is as important as physical nourishment.  Let us remember not to be hurried and rushed.  Families suffer when lives are too hectic.  This break for tea seems also to help refocus and perhaps give renewed thinking as well.  There is nothing more beautiful in a woman's face than peacefulness and a real genuine smile.   

May your journey throughout this day be filled with time to share and perhaps dream over a cup of tea with a friend and conversation filled with gratitude and thankfulness.  

In the beautiful words found in Ecclesiastes 3:12 may " every man (and woman) eat drink and enjoy the good of all his labor~it is the gift of God!"  Enjoy a beautiful and blessed day........what a gift!!!!