Tea and Friendship
” ‘Stay’ is a charming word in a friends’ vocabulary.”
-Louisa May Alcott
I had some dear friends come over for tea yesterday, and wouldn’t you know it, I was having so much fun, that I completely forgot to take any pictures. Mom came too, and we chatted the afternoon away over hot cups of tea and Orange Cranberry Scones. Friendship is such a blessing. There was a time when I took it for granted… but not anymore. It is meant to be cherished.
This teacup was passed down to me from my Mom. It’s my favorite… it has been since I was a little girl. When I think of how many women have drank from this cup, I am blessed. Mom always had a way of making moments special… whether it was a friend at her kitchen table pouring out her heart or a full blown Anne of Green Gables tea party for me and some girlfriends, she always pulled out her beautiful teacups. They were meant to be used… to be enjoyed. In so many of my childhood memories are teacups and doilies, a plateful of goodies, and lots of happy chatter.
It reminds me of the scripture, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37) When we have Christ in us, we truly do have something to offer: Hope, Rest, Comfort, Blessing, Peace. He is able to love through us, and offer the beauty of friendship. I, personally, have felt the love of Jesus through many friends over the years.
Yesterday I felt a warm glow in my home after everyone left. The teacups clinked together as I cleaned up, and soft music played in the background, “… life can be so sweet, on the sunny side of the street.” I carefully washed out my teacups, dried them, and put them back in the cupboard where they will be ready for more friends and special times… and more kindred spirits.
You can’t right stuff like this because it makes me very “homesick” for you! I guess we’ll just have to have tea together in our imaginations for now!
I miss you, too! I can’t wait for you to be able to come and drink from my favorite teacup! Someday… I promise! I cherish our friendship.
P.S. I had fun talking with you on the phone today!
thanks for your wonderful hospitatlity, babe. do you know that that tea cup was actually grandma’s? a few of the ones i gave you were hers. i can’t believe i didn’t tell you that.
i’m just here waiting for jamie and angela to show up……….i’m sooo exctied!