I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to read the book Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It is about an
American–Mortenson–who had the vision to build schools in remote Pakistan after being saved by villagers after a failed attempt to reach the summit of K2. The book, and Mortensen’s mission– has become more profound in the recent assassination of Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto.
Mortensen befriends the chief of the village in which he would end up building the first school. Haji Ali explains the practice of offering tea as an invitation to hospitality:
Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan), we drink three cups of tea to do business; the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything–even die.
In the US, the closest we come to this ritual is to offer somebody a hot or cold drink–depending on time of year–when they come over to our house. But even that tradition is falling by the wayside in our faster paced world. Since I am not a coffee drinker, I tend to accept cups of tea–iced (sweet, of course) or hot (sweet, of course)–whenever they are offered.
This week I’ve enjoyed four occasions when tea was offered me, each of which was a significant glimpse into what sustains me–dare I say brings me peace–as I travel through this world.
Cup #1: A Classic Earl Grey set out by my wife. Usually my first cup of tea in the morning is prepared by me: sugar, milk, water, and tea bag. On this Monday morning I found that the mug had already been filled with water and the tea bag was floating there-in. Unexpectedly preparing tea is not a ritual that we are used to giving one another. But on this occasion it was a welcome and appreciated surprise.
Cup #2: A mango herbal, given to me by my spiritual director. It took me a while to find out the blessing of being asked monthly “where have you noticed God’s presence in your life and ministry.” Yet in the infusion of this question through my spirit, I find an opportunity to reflect and receive. “What do you discover?” you may ask. The assurance that ready or not, God accompanies me…and the difference that makes in how I meet the world.
Cup #3: A detoxifying Rooibus, offered by a member of the congregation I serve. As he concludes a latest round of chemotherapy for a stubborn group of cells going by the name of lymphoma, we begin our weekly visits with a cup of tea before diving into the theologically-rich text of Babylon 5.
Cup #4: Several infusions of a Milk Oolong, a rare tea, received at The Monestery restaurant (reviewed in prior post), while lunching with a dear friend and colleague in ministry. To receive insight and wisdom, care and concern, laughter and silence, from and with her is a great gift.
In these four cups a balance in life has been struck. Was it the tea that made the difference? Not really. It was after all, the relationships. But I am thankful for the gifts of boiling water, tea leaves, cup and saucer, as the elements to bring me together with these companions of mine.
Wherever you are, I invite you to pour a cup and take a sip with me.
