“Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” - Psalm 34: 14
One of our local tea shops serves delicious, calorific treats to eat and has every kind of tea which will be served in vintage cups and saucers. It can be the perfect place to withdraw from it all and find a moment of peace and stillness in a busy and stressful world. Tea no. 21 on the menu always makes me smile: “China Ying Zhen Silver Needles. Imperial plucking method, performed at dawn on just two days of the year” - now that feels like a special tea!
However, the best cup of tea I have had ever was when I once went to York hospital for a procedure that had involved starving for 24 hours. After the procedure was finished and I was recovering, quietly and alone, I was brought a mug of PG tips with 3 custard creams by a smiling Health Care Assistant. Possibly because the ordeal was over, no problems were found and because I was so hungry, the tea and biscuits were absolutely heavenly - an experience I shall always remember! Without doubt it ranks as some of the best food and drink I have ever had, anywhere.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34: 8-10)
Mindfulness is about being truly present in the moment and not thinking beyond that. We don't have to try too hard as moments of thankfulness or an unexpected experience of awe and wonder or moments of peace are all around us, all the time. We can be mindful and draw close to Jesus gazing at vast mountain ranges from Machu Picchu or from a hospital waiting room. I encourage you to take a few minutes today to become aware and fully immersed in the present moment. Taste with your tongue, see, smell, touch with your fingertips and listen carefully to what the Lord might be saying through your experience. This Advent, in the waiting and preparation, let us find a small window of peace wherever you are and whatever you are doing to draw close to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn 14: 27).
A Prayer:
Dear Lord, bless us with the fruit of your Spirit: may love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control be renewed and deepened in us day by day. Bless those we live with, those we move among, that in us they may see something of your light and hope. Help us to make choices which will bring them closer to you, one gentle step at a time.
Amen.
Ruth Leeming
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