I love tea. Jaidynn does not. Therefore, I need to find ways to share my tea with other people, otherwise my tea cabinet will remain full forever. I also need to find reasons to use my three four teapots and collection of mismatched tea cups.
Ergo, a tea party!
I made sure to announce a month in advance that I would host an Easter-themed tea party for my inconsistently attended middle school girls’ Bible study. The last time the previous leader had hosted a similar event, it had drawn in about 10 girls, so I was optimistic. I was sure there were at least four girls I could count on, and I even sweetened the deal with plans for a craft and the promise of cucumber sandwiches. The week of the event came, and I sent out a reminder email—the morning arrived with two RSVPs and a verbal confirmation.
No matter. Most families at our church forget to RSVP for these sorts of things anyways.
But as I cut the flowers, set up the sandwich trays, heated the water, prepared the craft supplies, and did my makeup, I had a sinking feeling in my chest (as you probably do having read the title of this post). Sure enough, one of the RSVPs got sick and another had an event go longer than expected. Even the other youth leader who was supposed to come could no longer make it.
So I sat at the table set for five, staring through stacks of sandwiches at one 7th grade girl.
I dreaded the inevitable awkward silence.
This wasn’t the first time I had overprepared and felt let down—a few times, no one showed up to Bible study and I ended up praying by myself or going home early. At least then I could save the material for next week, and thankfully, there were usually two or three girls who showed up consistently. Only once did I do a one-on-one Bible study. And it was with this same, sweet 7th grader who now sat across from me. The youth pastor had classified her as a “wallflower,” and his wife (who normally came to Bible study as well) had been shocked I could get her to read aloud for the group. I saw this girl as quiet, but not shy: you just had to get her talking.
As I did, the awkward silence never arrived. And though the sandwiches remained uneaten (she has celiac—oops), she drank lots of my tea, enjoyed the craft, and left almost two hours later with a smile on her face.
A part of me still wanted to cry—to prepare for nothing is a deeply lonely feeling. Yet I packed up the stuff knowing that I hadn’t prepared for nothing. I had prepared for her. Me showing up, my preparation, my obedience to serve as God had led me meant something, even if I would never know what.
Not everything this year was like that—I clocked in a record number of teacher gifts and thoughtful thank-you cards from my Artios students. The affirmation and physical fruit of my spiritual labor felt great. But my heart lingers on that tea party, and I’m reminded that in God’s kingdom, success is not measured in numbers.
How often does God prepare, only for no one to arrive? How often does He give gifts that are neglected? How many people did Jesus love unrequitedly? Yet He still shows up. He still offers gifts. He still loves.
He leaves the 99 for the one (Luke 15:7), He sees Himself in the least of these (Matthew 25:40), He invites those who are not worthy (Matthew 22:8)… Jesus did ministry for the thousands, but He also did ministry for the one. And is the servant greater than the master (John 13:15-16)?
I thought I was preparing for many people, but God knew I was only preparing for one. And that blessed me more than an empty tray of sandwiches ever could.
Your words really moved me, Audrey—I love your perspective on this! 🥹 I have been there, it’s so hard not to be disappointed or discouraged. How beautiful that you got to give a quiet young lady such a treat! The Lord sees your serving heart, He sees you BOTH and gave you both a blessed tea time! 🫖 ❤️
My eyes are leaking😘 Oh , how I love you and you heart! I am sure that sweet girl will remember your pouring in forever. I love that you saw beyond the initial disappointment to what God had in store, you didn’t miss His goodness..
Hello Audrey, Rejoice and again I say rejoice! “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phillipians 4:4). You have the gift of hospitality. Your planning and your preparation expresses your love for your guests and your talent of creating a theme centered environment which makes the day extra special. The most important Guest in the world is the one who attends. That day, it was the very sweet girl whom you mention who attended your event. She was your VIP Guest who received the Blessing of your one on one special time of fellowship with her that day. Jesus, the Creator of the universe, often found few by His side. Those few became the most blessed people in the universe. Your VIP Guest was blessed with your undivided attention that day. Perhaps many others wanted to attend and regret not attending. You would have wanted a full house because you have the gift of Hospitality and love people. What a wonderful blessed time your VIP Guest got! She got your undivided attention, spending quality time with you and through it, being richly blessed. “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…” (Colossians 1:27) Often disappointments lead us to reflect on the disappointments of Jesus Christ when He came to earth, whose love for us is greater than any love anyone else could ever have for us. Even now, He wants to fellowship with us, but we are often too busy to spend time with Him. The lessons learned in life lead us to look unto our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Author and the Finisher of our faith. His blessings are received when we spend time with Him. Those blessings are far greater and more valuable to us than what we can obtain through any gain accomplished in this world.
The young girl who attended your Event, must be a very special girl like you. She got the best opportunity ever! She got One on One time, with you to glean from your wisdom over a cup of tea, especially prepared for her. That is super special! 🤗 🌸🌺