Lesson 127: The Tea Party

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

I remember receiving her invitation for tea. I was nervous but she was aglow. She had been so busy ‘baking cookies” and placing her brand new tea set on the table. She had invited her brother to join us and he was required to wear a dress with make up and lipstick. He didn’t seem to mind, due to his young age. I chuckled at the thoughts that danced in my mind but kept my composure so that I would not spoil the moment or mood. I knocked politely on her ‘door’ and she welcomed me with childhood innocence. She escorted me to the table and offered me a fresh brewed cup of hot tea and her cookie special. I thanked her for the treats and immediately arranged them on my plate awaiting the blessing. It came as soon as her brother was served. “Dear Jesus please watch over my brother and ‘Dah De’ and thank you for making me a good hostess.” I almost laughed and cried at the same time! My heart was heavy with love, pride and a longing to embrace them that I could not contain myself any longer. As I hugged them both, I realized I possessed within my arms a fleeting glimpse of the unconditional love that only fathers, mothers and innocence share. At that moment I realized just how important it was for me to always love them and the precious gift that I had been entrusted with. I am sure I disappointed them so many times.

Now that they are grown and moved away, I have clung to that moment on so many occasions. I often think, “If heaven is sweeter than those special moments with my beloved children, then I refuse to miss it for the world.” And this we are assured: we cannot fathom the joy of heaven. Maybe then, I can make up make up for all the times I failed them as a father. Maybe then, I can love them in a manner that Christ loves me. Maybe then I will fathom unconditional love far above what mortal man can grasp and it shall be overwhelmingly beautiful.

I still long to hold them one more time. I long to tell them just how much they mean to me, how much they are loved. I long to tell them a majestic story and watch their eyes widen with wonder. I long to tuck them in their little bunk beds and kiss them goodnight. I long to cuddle the essence of innocence once again, and to walk hand in had with my children once more. I long for yesterday and the sheer joy illuminating from their eyes when they saw their Dah De. I long for one more tea party.

In this world that moment in time is gone but after the journey to the other shore, those moments will fill eternity. And there will be laughter, there will be joy and there will be a peace that passeth all understanding. Do you wish to recapture your youth? Do you long for peace? Do you wish to hold those eternal blissful moments of witnessing your child’ childhood. You can, simply by asking God to save you. Believe in your heart and sincerely seek His face. Then you will have the blessed assurance of once again embracing those that you love in a new home, with new beginnings, with an eternal love not known by mortals. This is your opportunity to regain those days of enchantment and wonder that fills your heart with perpetual joy.

As the light begins to fade and my autumn of my life is upon me, I can look and see the full spectrum of the colors of my life in their radiant fall display. I can honestly say, “Thank you God for giving me a brief glimpse into heaven through watching my children grow.” I will always cherish the memories of those marvelous children. It has been an honor just being their father. I will carry within my soul a love that, though it pales in comparison to the love that Christ has for each of us, will forever sing God’s praises for the many blessings that I have been given. I have been blessed among men, and this day I am filled with a boundless love. With Sacred Principles to Maintain, I remain your humbled servant, The Old General

“Treasure each other in the understanding that you will not always have one another.”