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I had a little tea party
this afternoon at three.
'Twas very small,
three guests in all,
Just I, myself and me.
Myself ate up the sandwiches,
While I drank up the tea.
'Twas also I who ate the pie,
And passed the cake to me.
Author: Jessica Nelson North
Oxford, my Oxford! Today’s photo was taken at one of my favorite places that I escape to to have an early breakfast and pot of tea. (And the scones and black current jam with clotted cream are to die for!) But as the poem says, I betake myself there and center, and enjoy. The garden is amongst old tombs and crypts of the wealthy dead from the past—a sort of reminder that none of us will live forever. But the garden is so beautiful that this lovely place has become a place for sharing great food in the lovely outdoors, and breathing in a few moments of civility.
I celebrated one more birthday this week, and it has set me to pondering anew. My lifetime has been over almost 7 decades. I have learned through many years, that life is a journey through many seasons—ups and downs, adventures, heartbreak and joy. How we live through these seasons following hard after God at every point, leaves us with a soul-satisfying story, because we learn that God was with us and faithful at every point.
Don’t waste your time on dreams that will not fulfill, or wishes for a different life that may not even be better than the one you have now. This place, this time is the place in which you can step, one step at a time, into contentment, deep love of your people, wisdom collecting and a deeper understanding of God’s presence and love for you. Today is the day to consider these things as seasons rush by.
At this point, my biggest treasures are Clay--41 years fought for, given to with as much faithfulness and grace and we could muster. And my precious children, their spouses and my grandchildren. To have had the privilege of raising them, loving them, knowing them now, being close companions is my greatest and most fulfilling gift.
My children do not care if I have accomplished anything of merit--they just want the love and respect and affection of their mama--and I theirs. And at this stage, it is so sweet.
I have been pondering this verse: Psalm 39:4 “LORD, let me know my end, And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am.”
Lots of fun things on Tea Time Tuesday today—a delicious recipe, music, a mystery series, and so much more. Enjoy!
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