It is one of my favorite cool weather drinks. Since I am not a coffee drinker, (love the smell of coffee...but can't drink it), I thoroughly enjoy a hot cup of tea. For many years, however, I have been especially fond of what is called "Russian Tea"...or friendship tea...or orange spiced tea.
Since our supply was getting low, I decided to make another round of mix tonight. Gathering ingredients, I noticed very different types were needed. Some were sweet. Some were sour. Various shades of white, orange, yellow and brown were combined. Some were smooth in texture. Some were coarse. Some had little aroma while others were very sweet or spicy. Yet when combined with hot water, the delicious, refreshing and warm cup of tea brings great pleasure.
I began thinking. One of the many reasons I enjoy cooking is the "fascination of combination." Although an ingredient may seem insignificant, its role is very important in the process. For example, remove baking powder from a bread or cake recipe and it will be quite noticable. Or remove sugar from a cookie recipe and the taste will not be the same. Omitting an essential step while preparing a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner will make a difference! Each ingredient may be very different...but its purpose is vital in completing the desired outcome.
I wish we could remember this more as we journey through life together. There are very different personalities, abilities, backgrounds and perceptions. Yet instead of excluding or degrading one another, perhaps we can learn from each other, encourage one another and work together to make a positive difference. That doesn't mean we surrender truth for apathy. But it does mean that we find a way to extend kindness, hope, love and compassion with others. More hearts and lives will be changed by caring than criticizing. Who knows...maybe we can even share a delicious, hot, spicy cup of tea with them, too!♥~thl
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6: 2
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