With the many to-dos waiting to be done and the varied lists of needs yet to be fulfilled, it's too easy to get caught up in the getting-it-all-done. It's too easy to be caught up in bearing daily life burdens alone. It's too easy to mistakenly think we are each the only one with these many demands on our abilities, on our resources of inner strength, on our oh-so-precious time.
But it was in the enjoyment of a tea party amidst a roomful of women of all ages and stages of life where I was reminded that I am not so alone as I sometimes delude myself into believing. It was in sitting with my dear friends that I was refreshed after a day made long by my own unkind, unprompted emotions. It was in the sharing of burdens when I was nudged to remember I am not the only one facing these daily struggles of motherhood and cooking and loving and cleaning and dreaming and praying for these families we are entrusted with.
It was a tea party with fancy hats, delicate teacups and saucers, a fun photo booth and friendships. We smiled. We laughed. We talked. We shared. A few of us even shed a tear as we listened to the life story of a woman made wise with embracing life as it unraveled before her. A story permeated with her trust that God would see her through both difficult and joyful times.
The day began with bearing emotional encumbrances alone. The day ended with a hot cup of tea infused with gentle reminders that I am not alone, that I am not the only one traversing this road of motherhood and womanhood.
Enjoying a cup of tea is all about slowing down the hurry's and the have-tos of the day to enjoy the moment. It is savouring the delicate aroma wafting from the warm amber liquid before that first lovely sip of infused flavour. Mingling our hearts and time with our friends infuses our joys so the harshness of life is lessened.
