Tea in Paris

Most of you know that I am currently earning my living by being a waitress. It's kind of the classic movie: small town girl, working at a restaurant, saving up to travel the world. It kind of makes me laugh how clique it is. But I love it! :)

Anyway, being a server makes me encounter a lot of people. Many of them have this one thing in common: always in a hurry. My favorite kind of tables are the ones that sit and visit with each other for hours and are clearly enjoying one another's company. Whenever this happens, I can't help but think of Europe. In Europe, it is EXPECTED that you stay at least three hours in a restaurant. The culture there is not as high-paced as our American culture. They value relationships over time. It is expected that you come to a restaurant first and foremost as a social occasion. I've come to appreciate this very much.

Looking back, one of my favorite memories of being in Paris was going to a Cafe with Brayton and ordering tea. It was before sunset and we wanted to "kill time" so we could see the Eiffel Tower at night. We sat down and sipped tea for a long time - something I never would have done in America. It was lovely, not feeling rushed, not having any deadlines, or appointments to run off to. We just enjoyed one another's company (and some delicious tea). I'm not saying that people in America don't do this, I see it at Green Mill quite frequently. But I do see a lot of rush, rush, rush and people expecting fast and perfect service, in and out. Why do we live our lives like this? Rushing through the precious moments God gives us. Not stopping to enjoy the sunshine on our face, the laugh of a close friend, or the fact that you have awaken to another precious day of life. Cherish the moments you have, and consider making time to appreciate the fact that you are living and breathing. <3