Scripture
Be still, and know that I am God!—Psalm 46:10
Reflection
Sometimes we have to slow down and be still in order to be aware of
what is happening around us. One meditative exercise that can increase
awareness is known as the Zen Tea Ceremony.
Experiencing the Zen Tea Ceremony is a good way to become aware of what
it takes to bring tea to the table, ready to drink. Viewed in this manner,
drinking the tea is like the last act in a play that may have taken years
to compose. The awareness of this process turns the actual drinking of the
tea into an act of thanksgiving.
To illustrate: In the tea ceremony the tea is brought to you and is
served in porcelain cups. The porcelain is made from a special clay formed
by the earth over thousands of years. When fired, it yields a beautiful
white color.
Generations of craftsmen, experimenting with various clays, helped
determine the best choice for the porcelain. The clay was dug by someone.
The pigments for the glaze were made by someone, and a craftsman formed
the pieces.
Wood from trees that grew and were nurtured by the earth for many years
was used to fire the porcelain. It was glazed and fired again. Then, the
set was packaged in excelsior and crated in wood to be sent to the market
to sell. Someone else unpacked it in the shop where they selected their
goods with care from the best craftsmen.
It is now at least an hour or maybe two into the ceremony, if the
meditations on each aspect of the ceremony are in-depth. And we have yet
to consider the tea leaves themselves, the water, the fire, and their
preparation.
After such preparation and awareness of the gifts behind the ceremony,
can you drink the tea with anything but thanksgiving? Awareness, then, is
the birthplace of gratitude to God for your blessings. Be gracious and
grateful.
Action
Place a treasured object in front of you. Take a few moments to become
aware of how this object was created and came into your possession.
Consider the people, places, and processes involved.
Prayer
Offer prayers of gratitude as you become aware of the many people who
have blessed your life. Can you sense the Divine presence? Ask that such
awarenesses of the Divine presence bless you as you prepare for World
Conference. |
