Thursday, August 20, 2009

What's your afternoon tea?

A few years ago, my husband and I rented a 27-ft sailboat and took it out on the bay off of Victoria Island in Canada.

It was a beautiful, sunny day. Clear blue skies. A nice stiff breeze. Even the man who rented us the boat commented on the perfect weather.

About an hour later, things suddenly changed. The sky darkened, the waves started getting rough, and it started to rain. We decided to turn the boat around and headed back towards shore, yet the wind made it difficult for us to maneuver in any consistent direction. As the waves began to drench us over and over, and the sail flipped from side to side, we somehow managed to pull the sail down and turn on the motor. So there we were, putt-putt-putting back towards shore, wondering if we would ever make it back.

As I sat there, amidst the waves, the rain and the wind, I found myself not seeing my life flash before my eyes, but saying to myself, "We have to get back in time for afternoon tea." Over and over again, like a mantra of sorts.

You see, the beautiful B&B where we were staying also boasted the best afternoon tea around, complete with homemade cookies, delicious teas and even sherry if you like. That day, the thought of making it back for afternoon tea kept me calm, kept me focused, and kept me hopeful. And before long, we docked the boat safely and straggled back to the inn, wet, weary, and very happy to be alive. And yes, we made it back in time for tea, cookies, sherry, a hot bath and a nap by the fireplace.

In times of turbulence and instability, it's critical to have a guiding vision that helps you maintain your heading, i.e., to stay on course. That day, for me, it was afternoon tea.

What's your afternoon tea?

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