Tea Time

Chaplain Liz Danielsen
May 2026

“Tea Time” has always been my favorite time of the day—especially since Arvid and I lived in England. Our daughter, Cheryl, was born there, and Cobham, Surrey, was a wonderful place to call home. During that season, we met dear friends who have remained a meaningful part of our lives. Even now, when I sit down with a cup of tea, I often think of them and the special moments we shared together.

Many years ago, when we first opened the Danielsen Center for Hope after Loss, my friend Carole Payne gave us a framed poem for our kitchen. It has remained a beautiful reminder of why “Tea Time” feels so special to me. My hope is that as you read the poem, you might be inspired as well—seeing time around the table with family and friends as something sacred, meaningful, and deeply connecting.

I always thought that there is something spiritual about a teapot.
When I think of Christian service, I see teapots, vessels of the Lord, waiting to be filled
With steaming comfort, ready to be poured out into
The cup of someone’s need.
Jesus holds the handle firmly after the filling, lifts it up and tips a spout that is
Determinedly focused on its purpose.
The pot humbly bows, filling cup after cup in a tea service that will continue until
Our Lord returns.
A teapot is a servant, greatly needed, for there are so many empty cups waiting to be
Filled with the love our Lord has brewed.
These servants come in all shapes and sizes, equal in their design, none is more Important than the other.
Whether silver or ceramic, they shine in their
Master’s Hand; polished to perfection,
His image is reflected.
I see collections of these teapots adorning the pews, poised and ready, then lining up
With the cups at the altar to serve with prayers.
I see teapots at the pulpits and in the Sunday schools.
I see them almost everywhere.
I know that there will be tea parties in Heaven,
Because the prodigals have all come home;
Abundant celebrations with cups overflowing and
Teapots crowned with gold.

“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.”

— Philippians 2:17 (NAS)