Origins

                Two Cups of Tea at Hope’s Cafe

As I seek to shift this column in some way, search for fresh
ways to connect, make meaning, I went back to the original column when I first
launched this blog in May 2020.

“I write as we are living in these strange circumstances brought on by Covid
19. Ironically, we are both pulled apart as a nation and world as the
competition builds for necessary resources and also more connected than ever by this virus. We all struggle to protect ourselves. We all feel the impact of the
world economy teetering. We all face the challenge of how best to cope.

“Years ago I came across the following quote: “It is not the circumstances
in which we find ourselves but the spirit with which we meet them that
constitutes our comfort.” There is fear, worry, grief aplenty in this time. It
is important that we acknowledge them. But we don’t have to succumb to them.
Even as we shelter in place, we can actively seek to bring a hopeful attitude
to our circumstances. What medical developments might be discovered? What
connections might people strengthen with one another? Might we learn to do with
less? Might we find deeper meaning in our lives in a quieter, less busy
environment? Pay attention to where your mind and spirit take you. Then
redirect yourself as needed to a more hopeful space—your very own ‘Hope’s
Café.’”

I write this as we are currently experiencing a recurrence of covid and as
life seems even more turbulent than when I began this four years ago.  In part, I think my desire to shift focus comes from a longing to draw folks nearer together in a period when fear and suspicion seem ripe to take hold.  So I
remind myself: “It is not the circumstances in which we find ourselves but the spirit in which we meet them that constitutes our comfort.”

The invitation is open to share “two cups of tea” anytime at Hope’s Café, or
anywhere you share companionship and conversation.

May we be bearers of hope, the “wait staff” of Hope’s Café for each other and all those we encounter.  Shalom, Kate