The 7 Day “Tea Time Challenge”

I must admit before watching “The Crown” on Netflix, I hardly knew anything about the Royal family or what a monarchy is all about.  I’d seen pictures eons ago of Diana and Charles’ wedding.  But if someone had walked up to me with Queen Elizabeth’s picture, I might have been able to identify her but could just as likely have thought it was a picture of a friend of my Mom’s.
 
I haven’t done any additional research since watching the Series but if the image it paints is true,

Queen Elizabeth is possibly one of the greatest examples of divine surrender and acceptance of the cross she believed God had ordained for her to carry of anyone I have ever known.

She never wanted to rule the country. She only wanted to be a wife and mother; and if she ruled any domain at all it would have been only over her own home. She never relished being a public figure; worldwide travel, giving speeches, fancy banquets or leaving her children with nannies. She did it because she believed Almighty God orchestrates all people and events throughout time. He hadn’t made a mistake. He hadn’t forgotten her or gotten sloppy when she was the next one in line to take the throne. She gave 70 years of her life to walk out that surrender.
 
My good friend was in England in September on a dream trip taking in all the sights and sounds of the British isle when the Queen died. A historic moment that won't be forgotten. She was there.
 
During her trip, she shared pictures of rolling green landscapes, ancient castles and guards in red uniform with tall, black, furry hats.
 
And Tea Time; Steaming cups of tea with buttery scones and jam.
 
Of all the things she shared, I can’t get the pics of tea time out of my head!
 
Why don’t WE do that?
 
It kind of ticked me off!  Was my English DNA rising up in revolt; letting me know it’d been waiting 55 years for me to wake up? Or was it my spirit living way down deep where my emotions are born with an invitation?
 
Summoning me to Tea Time; a perfect pause mid-morning or afternoon; to push back from my computer. Call a “time out” from my meetings. And let the pretty tray with tea, cups, sugar, cream and delectable baked goodies be ushered in! (uhh, hello? Reality check. There won’t be any servants with white gloves entering the room any time soon)
 
BUT STILL…
 
I can get up from my chair.
Walk over to my coffee pot.
 
Brew.
Hold my cup in my hands.
Breathe in its aroma.

* Look out the window.
Gently walk around the room or down the driveway.

* Pray.

* Break up the intensity with a worship song or two.

* Chat with a co-worker or make a long overdue phone call.
 
Savor the goodness of the day. The strength in my body. The life that is mine.
 
The Brits are onto something.

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I’ve got an idea. We could do this together!
Starting Monday, October 23, 2023

A 7-Day “Tea Time Challenge”

• Commit to once a day for 7 days to take a daily pause

Whether your thing is tea or coffee.
It’s just gotta be a hot mug of somethin’

There couldn’t be a more perfect time than October when the air is crisp, pumpkin spice lattes taste so good and vibrant leaves sway outside the window.

To Pause. See. Savor.
Let a hot drink sooth body and soul.

• The ONLY RULE is … you can’t go back to work until you’ve enjoyed every drop!