Lesson One: "Have a Cup of Tea..."
Having a cup of tea is a ritual in
many cultures--Asian, Indian,
African, European, and even in
America! While coffee drinking
conjures up a rush-rush, go-out-and-conquer-the-world image, tea drinking, especially sitting down for a cup of tea, signifies relaxation and appreciation of one's surroundings. Think about it....
In some cities we have coffee shops on every corner...people crowd in to have their jolt of caffeine. Once inside, if they stay, patrons surf the Internet or read the newspaper or a book. Others grab their expensive drink and head off to 'tackle' their day.
Now compare the above scenario to tea drinking. The image is a much more relaxing one. When someone says, "let's have a cup of tea," don't you think of slowing down and enjoying a conversation and friendship?
Imagine a 'tea-shop' on every corner.... no cell phones, computers, or reading materials allowed (reading is not a bad thing, but it can be a distraction sometimes). The tea-shop would serve non-caffinated teas and have soothing music and lot's of nature: plants, water treatments, flowers, etc. (I suppose I am giving someone a great business idea -- go for it!)
And...in this 'tea-shop,' you can't enter and leave right away...you have to stay for at least an hour!
Think of how relaxing this could be!
LFB
Assignment: Have a tea-party with God.
Find the most relaxing room in your house (if you don't have one you're in trouble. We will address this in a later lesson.) Brew some tea and pour it into a cup with a saucer and SIT DOWN AND DRINK IT! Sit for at least thirty minutes and talk to God. If you don't know what to say...just listen and see where your mind goes. Don't answer the phone and have NO interruptions. Just relax.
Let us know how this works for you in the guest book below.