The Inspiration of Tea

Not what we give, but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare; Who give himself with his alms feeds three, Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me.  James Russell Lowell

The very act of preparing and serving tea encourages conversation.  The little spaces in time created by teatime rituals call out to be filled with conversation.  Even the tea itself-warm and sweet and comforting-inspires a feeling of relaxation and trust that fosters shared confidences.
Even more important, tea nurtures friendship by inviting us to be present to one another-right now, in the moment.
So many things in our culture can be done without having to be fully aware or focused.  We can go about our business without tuning in mentally and emotionally to the people around us or to the task at hand.  We can drive and listen to the radio at the same time.  We can eat dinner in front of the television.  We can go to enterainment events or even to church and sit side by side without truly connecting with one another.
But when we offer tea to someone, we are also offering ourselves.  We are saying, "I will listen to you. I will treat you with respect. I will be present for you."
Teatime supports a conversation by giving us something to do when the dialogue lags... or hits an uncomfortable snag.  If we don't know what to say, we can always pick up another muffin or freshen our companion's cup or just inhale the aroma of our own cup, and thus negotiate the silences to explore deeper levels of companionship.
The relationship enhancing properties of tea make it a wonderful vehicle for getting to know someone new, for patching up a misunderstanding, for sharing good news or supporting one another in bad times.  I have seen lives change over teacups.  I have seen new friendships forged and old friendships renewed. 
It's not the tea, remember-it's the spirit of the tea party.  And the spirit of the tea party is, above all, the spirit of true friendship.

Lord , help me be fully present-in heart, soul, and mind-to enjoy the sweet communion of kindred spirits over a cup of tea.  Amen

Treat your teatime companions-strangers, friends, or family-with the same gentleness and respect you reserve for the delicate china teacups!