Pause in the afternoon.
Fix a small teapot of darjeeling. Or steep ginger herbal tea in porcelain cups.
The simple cultural practice learned in other lands remains in my life today.
Taking time. Away from chores and computer and concerns. Sitting quietly or visiting with a friend.
Daily pause. To breathe.
Invitations
During our sojourn in Pakistan, invitations to tea are common. Hospitality offered at every turn.
There I learn for the first time to drink hot tea with milk, sugar, and cardamom. Nibbling on biscuits (cookies) offered.
My Pakistani friend instructs me. The culturally appropriate response to guests is not to ask if they want something to drink. But to provide it automatically. Generously.
Assume thirst.
And always have supplies and a tray ready.
Hospitality
These opportunities mean open doors and conversations. Deeper friendships.
Someone’s home reveals something about who they are. How they live.
And in each place we reside over the years, hospitality never seems dependent on someone’s income or station in life.
Those with little and those with much offer tea. Whether sitting on mats spread across dirt floors, or perched on cushioned chairs next to exquisite carpets.
We pause in the afternoon. Talk. Laugh.
Discovering new things. Sharing important beliefs and life lessons.
Gift of pause
Gift of pause, too often ignored. Too busy measuring success with constant movement and output.
There’s never enough time in the day to get it all done, after all.
Or so I think.
But today I sit with cup of tea in hand. Warmth on a cold day. Sitting quietly.
Remembering lessons learned across cultures.
Pause. And give thanks.
What about you?
Have you learned new practices in another culture? How do you pause and give thanks during a busy day?
Related posts
Learning hospitality – Cup of water – Open door – Deliberate way – New patterns – Threads – Travelers – Taste of home – Faithful witness
14 replies on “Pause”
“Gift of pause”…love that phrase. Afternoon tea has always been a habit for me, 15-20 mins maybe. I appreciate the element of thanks…a practice I need to inject into tea time. Thanks for this.
Thank you for sharing 😊. And pointing out that 15-20 minutes is sufficient “pause.”
Tea time in our home in Kathmandu was a daily event with all that were there. Time to sit and rest, share family concerns and practice speaking the language. I miss those times! I should incorporate a tea time into my life now. Would love to have a cup of tea with you, Susan. ♥️ Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Mindy! And I hope you do reinstate “tea time.” I would love to sit and talk and share a cup of tea with you, my friend. 😊
I admit that I don’t pause much during my days – I start the day intentionally with quiet & coffee & Bible & prayer – but sometimes the remainder of the day becomes very busy. Good reminder!
Would enjoy an afternoon cup of tea and conversation with you, sister. 😊
That pause for a cup of tea in the afternoon has become a stand-by for Kevin and me ever since his time in Pakistan. Very thankful for the warm hospitality he experienced there that had such a significant impact on his (our) life!
Thanks for sharing 😊. We’re so thankful too 🙌🏼
I’m learning from the French how they value the time together to slow down and be together. I’m grateful to sit with them and drink tea or coffee and reflect on the goodness of God.
Love this! So thankful you’re there 😊
Sitting, talking, sipping honey-lemon tea with a Kurdish friend in Brooklyn, NY last month was relaxing and refreshing, as always. And another opportunity to have spiritual conversation and pause for prayer.
Father, draw R to yourself.
One day I believe we’ll sit and drink tea and pray together as sisters in Christ.
Just now stopping to pray for R. May she be drawn to the One and Only who loves her so—then turn and follow Him.
Here in the Middle East, I observe people ready to interrupt their day and inconvenience themselves to help an acquaintance, at a moment’s notice. I find this so difficult to do!!! But I’m trying to learn. Our time(s) are in His hands, after all; if my schedule is disrupted to help another person, His is not.
I experienced the same—hospitality no matter when 😊. Thanks for sharing.