Answering the Call
I avoid the phone. Solicitors and survey-takers forced a silenced ringer and an answering-machine sentinel long ago, whilst I juggled babies and laundry and bubbling pots. No time to be wasted. Thus, the unknown caller of today rarely receives a “Hello” but rather hears a signalling "BEEP." The lucky leave a message and possibly receive a “pick-up” mid-sentence or a “call back” promptly.
Yesterday, a friend called and commenced leaving a chatty message about a tablecloth for our upcoming Christmas Tea; when I picked up the call mid-stream I heard the chatty cadence melt as teardrops fell freely in the background of her voice. Though she sought to cover it, I heard exhaustion and stress.
I invited her for tea . . . and she said, “Yes!” brightly.
Two hours later we sat at my dining table with quiche-laden plates (Costco’s finest offering, frozen just for such an impromptu occasion), spinach salad, fresh fruit, and a just-baked pumpkin bread my friend had brought along. The teapot steeped gently, setting a mood ripe for relaxation and friendly sharing.
As the tea went down and warmed the hearts, the corners of the mouths drew up into smiles, eyebrows shot up in laughter, and tears gently sparkled in the eyes engaged in heart-to-heart outpourings.
We solved no problems, really, but we did spread them thickly with a healthy dose of friendship and loving touch wrapped in prayerful cloaking. The friction died away as the lubrication of love preserved the smooth-running nature of a balanced walk between the needs of those we love and our personal needs.
Yesterday, a friend called and commenced leaving a chatty message about a tablecloth for our upcoming Christmas Tea; when I picked up the call mid-stream I heard the chatty cadence melt as teardrops fell freely in the background of her voice. Though she sought to cover it, I heard exhaustion and stress.
I invited her for tea . . . and she said, “Yes!” brightly.
Two hours later we sat at my dining table with quiche-laden plates (Costco’s finest offering, frozen just for such an impromptu occasion), spinach salad, fresh fruit, and a just-baked pumpkin bread my friend had brought along. The teapot steeped gently, setting a mood ripe for relaxation and friendly sharing.
As the tea went down and warmed the hearts, the corners of the mouths drew up into smiles, eyebrows shot up in laughter, and tears gently sparkled in the eyes engaged in heart-to-heart outpourings.
We solved no problems, really, but we did spread them thickly with a healthy dose of friendship and loving touch wrapped in prayerful cloaking. The friction died away as the lubrication of love preserved the smooth-running nature of a balanced walk between the needs of those we love and our personal needs.
A time-out for tea can make a world of difference.
I’m so glad I answered the call.
* * * * *
A Cup of Tea
When the world is all at odds and the mind is all at sea,
then cease the useless tedium and brew a cup of tea.
There is magic in it's fragrance, there is solace in it's taste;
and the laden moments vanish somehow into space.
And the world becomes a lovely thing!
There is beauty as you'll see.
All because you briefly stopped to brew a cup of tea.
~~ William Gladstone ~~
When the world is all at odds and the mind is all at sea,
then cease the useless tedium and brew a cup of tea.
There is magic in it's fragrance, there is solace in it's taste;
and the laden moments vanish somehow into space.
And the world becomes a lovely thing!
There is beauty as you'll see.
All because you briefly stopped to brew a cup of tea.
~~ William Gladstone ~~
11 comments:
a cup of tea with a stranger or friend can solve many problems and lighten the heart ...jj
What a nice thing for you to do to invite a heartworn friend over. I'm glad you had a good visit, and a 'spot of tea'.
Your heart has no bounds. Bless you.
I would expect no less from you, because you have a very kind heart and you live your Faith.
This friend of yours is lucky to have a friend like you...
You were meant to answer that call. How wonderful! :)
I must admit to using caller ID way too much as I dislike talking on the phone. Isn't it neat that you knew to pick up the phone this time?
What is there about tea that helps us calm down and find solace? Of course, the conversation helps but I even find brewing a small pot of tea and slowly sipping it to help when I am alone.
I see it's been way too long since I visited. Last I knew you were soon heading off in a silver bird to an exotic island. Now you've been there, done that and then some :) It's wonderful that you are the kind of friend that people CAN call, and you offer an impromptu visit for encouragement- I wish we lived close, I REALLY DO! :)
what a dear friend you are. I am a big tea advocate, tea and chat. It warms the heart to sit with friends this way. I too do not like the telephone interrupting me, but this phone I have right now does not have a ringer off button.
that is my dear sweet friend, and you are all looking the absolute picture of health! RK is growing up toooo fast!!
What a kind and wonderful friend you are! I wish I knew you "in person!"
Such a wonderful friend!!
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