Untitled

Two Cups of Tea at Hope’s Cafe

So many directions my thoughts are going as I begin this blog! Although I have been using WordPress to blog for six years now, I only recently discovered that it includes a “daily writing prompt.” Today’s prompt is: “What’s something you’d love to see in the future but know you probably won’t live to witness?”

Is it too much to hope that we might see a return to civility, decency, integrity, respect, empathy, rational behavior, most especially from our leaders?  That is a pretty full plate of hopes for the future.  Some days—hope springs eternal—I think I see evidence of the tide turning from the hateful, violent atmosphere that has taken hold.  Other days I succumb to despair.  “Cure us of our warring madness!” Indeed.

 When my daughter was an exchange student in Germany, I visited in late 1997. Fifty years post World War II the people I encountered had no desire to talk about that dark time.  I had read that as a result of their WWII experience, when one never knew when a neighbor might curry favor with the Nazis by reporting you had done some infraction against their regime, that expressions were neutral, never betraying any feeling.  I automatically smile when I cross paths with someone but rarely did anyone return my smile. 

We had an exchange student from Germany in 1998 to 1999.  At an athletic event she attended with us, when everyone rose to sing the national anthem, she said very sadly, “You are a proud people.  We are not a proud people.” Some years later, after Germany had hosted some world event (the World Cup perhaps?) she told me it had been such an emotional boost to their country, had contributed to a renewed pride. 

Whatever the future holds, we will live in an altered world.  Best case, we will recognize that what we hold dear is not guaranteed, that we must cherish and nurture a strong foundation.  In the meantime, let us focus on noticing all the good that remains around us and on contributing to the good however and whenever we can.  May we keep in mind “While nations are convulsed with rage, how quietly the flowers and grass grow.” (E.H. Chapin b.1814, d.1880)

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” at Hope’s Café, for each other and all those we encounter.  Shalom, Kate