tea time = God time

Honestly, I am quite in awe at the moment. I just had some 'tea time' (with my new tea gadgets and teas) with a very lovely pal. The power of quiet, intentional, beautiful conversation is mind-boggling! Space to be real and vulnerable. Time to share the depths of one's real Self.

I initially met this friend through the seminary's LRWC (Learning Resource Writing Center) and we worked together as Learning Partners. I know I've mentioned it before, but I want to express once again how much the LRWC and the people it has connected me with have changed my life. As I spend time with people from other cultures and countries, I am always left with the same two insights: 1) the world is big, and 2) we are all connected. I feel entwined with all things holy when I spend time with my Learning Partners. Even though we are from all over the world, it's amazing how the core concerns of life: family, love, faith, and relationships, are universally shared. I guess in a lot of ways, even though I'm constantly reminded by them that the world is big, I am also reminded that the world is small; we are members of this same global community. And the idea of leaving Chicago and therefore leaving them is definitely turning me into a sopping puddle of tears, so moving right along...

I know it sounds cheesy, but I feel like I don't say it enough. THANK YOU: to my in-person friends who I get to spend time with in the flesh, to my family both near and far, to my virtual friends. I am truly and genuinely thanking God that our lives have been brought together. Life is so indescribably overwhelming so much of the time - beautiful and terrible and everything in between - what a gift it is to be traveling along this journey with you.