Tea...why yes thanks!

I don't know who the first tea drinkers were. I'm not sure how the habit or tradition of all of it came about, but I do know that it is one of the greatest contributions of the British to the world they so thoroughly conquered.
Here in Alice we love our tea and drink it whenever possible (many people do substitute coffee for their tea now). It is a staple at church meetings, Bible studies, work days, mum's groups, children's meetings pretty much any time people are gathering together there must be tea. Temperature or weather conditions are irrelevant. You may be sweating, having biked in to church, but you will drink piping hot tea.
It certainly doesn't look the same for all people. Some like it white (that means with milk); some black. Some like it with sugar, some without. Some prefer green tea or roobius. Some like herbal, some just want it strong and plain. Basically, each person has their own thoughts about how it would be best prepared or served.
But, despite this diversity the real purpose of the tea is to provide a moment of pause. A moment to get to know others a bit better over "a cuppa". It provides a key element for fellowship, and refreshment.
I'm not sure if other people have really delved into the social constructs that surround the tradition of tea but I know that for me it has been a really helpful part of getting to know people here. Taking that moment to drink tea really has very little to do with tea and actually a whole lot more to do with deepening relationships with the people around you.
So here's a suggestion, the next time you're meeting someone or you have bit of business to conduct, stop for tea first. It doesn't have to be literally tea in china cups or anything, just an intentional moment to deepen the relationship. For some it might mean taking a minute to talk about family before jumping in to the next code review(that's for you daddy:) or taking a second at the grocery store to ask how the clerks day really has been. It could mean having a chat with your child when they come home from school, intentionally tuning out from any phone calls or house cleaning that's going on for a moment. Maybe for some of us it means intentionally taking a few moments with God before beginning the business of the day, putting the priority on our relationship with Him.
I think this is a key part of God's plan for reaching the world. Having followers who are willing to take a moment to build relationships with all people and basing their lives on their relationship with Him.
Enjoy your tea.


Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Acts 2:42 And the devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.