Sometimes I'm quick to learn a lesson. But usually it's weeks, months, or years before I manage to catch on.
Tonight I was cleaning the kitchen, and trying to rearrange some things in my tea cabinet. Yes, I have a whole cabinet just for tea and tea treats! Anyway....
While I was putting everything away, I realized it's been a few weeks since I had someone over for tea, and thought back to the friend that I brewed the last pot for.
She had come over to help me with something that I just didn't know how to do for myself, in the midst of her crazy, busy day. After the work was done, we sat and had a simple tea party. I brewed two of my favorite teas for her and her sweet little girl, and put out a few cookies and fruit. The scones I'd frozen ahead of time didn't bake up well, so there was nothing special I'd put out, and I'd been wishing that I had something nicer for her. We chatted and relaxed, and she said "Really, you didn't have to go to all this trouble!"
"Oh no," I protested. "I love to do it!"
"I know," she smiled. "That's why I let you."
I have no idea why that didn't resonate with me the second she said it. But the more I reflect on that simple, gracious statement, the more I appreciate it.
I was trying to do something nice for her because I appreciate her. But she did something nice for me, by letting me.
What a great, simple lesson - Bless someone else by allowing them to bless you!
So, this has got me thinkin', (oh, no!) about some stuff that I need to change.
I'm not one to readily accept help. I tend to live by the "put on your big girl panties and deal with it yourself" motto. There's a time and a place for this, but it's not ALL the time. I enjoy helping others, so why shouldn't I give my friends an opportunity to do the same?
How about you? Do you allow people to be a blessing in your life? Do you accept help? Do you have friends that let you do things for them, because they know you will enjoy it?
Well, that's what I've learned this week. To read more of "What I learned This Week," visit Musings of a Housewife!
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 416
3 days ago
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6 comments:
Well, I'll have to let you make me tea a lot more often! ;)
It is always a pleasure to spend time with you girl. I wish we could do it more often.
Great post!
One of my favorite sayings is that God gives us two hands - one with which to give and one with which to receive.
Sometimes the blessing is in letting others bless us.
What a great post and love the quote Carpool Queen left - so true. Great lesson learned.
I love that! I have never thought of it that way before! Thanks for sharing!
Such a great lesson. I have a tremendous amount of trouble being the recipient of service. Although I love to serve others.
I heard about your tea parties. Janel was bragging about you (in a lovely way!) at the Bloggers Bash. I love tea parties! Where do you buy your teas here?
This is a great point that you make. I'm usually willing to accept help, when I really need it, anyway, but I never thought of it as blessing the people who are helping me. That's a nice way to look at it.
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