Over the years, our family has worked to create meaningful traditions and rhythms in order to make Sundays particularly special. One such tradition, modeled after a friend's suggestion, is afternoon tea.
Each week following morning worship, we swing by the local farm for a few cartons of fresh eggs. Then we head home and dive into meal preparation. Our Sunday afternoon meal usually includes bacon and eggs, chocolate chip scones, a fruit or potato/veggie side dish (depending on the season) and, of course, tea.
Everyone has a job to do. Jamie is on bacon and potato detail while the girls set the table. Bethie also enjoys getting the eggs started and usually asks to roll out the scones that I've mixed. Drew empties the dishwasher and starts the tea, while Aidan happily does his part by fetching various odds and ends. Oh -- and by entertaining the dog.
When we finally gather 'round the table, we join hands in prayer or song. Today we did both, ending our meal with my favorite mealtime hymn, "For the Beauty of the Earth."
For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise!
We linger over the food, savoring both the flavors and the conversation. This is the kind of sitting that comes naturally to me. This day of rest sitting is essential and beautiful.
Following the meal and dish-washing, Jamie usually heads up for a nap, the kids scatter to read, color or play games ("Quietly, please! Daddy's sleeping!"), and I go right back to that tea table with a book in hand. There's a pot of tea to finish and a chapter or two to enjoy.
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