I make it myself. I order it out.
Tea is instantly available to me throughout the day. I buy it, I have lots of it, I go places that sell it, and they serve it to me.
When I went to China I survived on Jasmine tea and French fries (I was not a fan of the food there). Whenever I ordered tea the waiters would smile and say, "Okay". Clearly they had taken my order and understood that I was ordering tea.
After ordering, several minutes would pass, and I would begin to wonder where my tea was. I was not in the agitated state yet, just curious.
Several more minutes would pass, and I would enter the "Where are the waiters, and where have they gone with my tea?" stage.
After about 10 minutes I would reach the agitation stage. I called the waiters over and said, "Could you please bring me my tea?"
Each time I went through this scenario they would look confused, smile, and say, "Tea, yes, tea,". They talked to me as if I was confused. Hahaha.
About 20 minutes after ordering my tea it would finally arrive at my table. Every time...20 minutes.
Funny thing is, I went to an Asian restaurant here in town the other day. The exact same thing happened. I smiled and shared this story with my friends.
Why are we in such a hurry? Tea drinking is a ceremony in many places. It is to be sipped slowly and enjoyed.
The Chinese wait staff (lol wait staff) had no awareness that anything was being delayed or that anything was wrong. Of course nothing was wrong. However, during my two week trip across China I saw Americans and Europeans alike flaunting their impatience about the not-so-prompt arrival of their tea or coffee. We all looked pretty silly.
Why are we in such a hurry? Does anyone know why? It's destroying us, and still we hurry.
I hope my tea takes 20 minutes the next time I order and that I sit and take in the marvelous view of this day, this hour, this minute, this place. It will never be repeated in the same way. Ever.
What could you be savoring that you are rushing through instead? Why is it difficult to slow down? What could you do to not rush so much? Please share your thoughts in the comment section, we want to hear from yoU!
Love,
Blessed
(Written by Jane Hart, copyright 2016)