Assam Tea

Assam tea has to be one of my favourites. Somewhat like English Breakfast, it has a rich and malty flavour. It is not named after a species of plant, nor a method of brewing, but the northeastern Indian state in which it is grown. Curiously, this distant region does not observe Indian Standard Time but ‘Tea Garden Time’, established during British rule to best exploit daylight for the benefit of tea production. It enables those employed in the tea gardens to see what they are doing across the working day of 9 in the morning till 5 in the afternoon.

I like the sound of Tea Garden Time. I also like the sound of 'tea time'. To a lad raised in north Lancashire, this referred to one’s evening meal; to plummy-voiced Southrons, it is a break in the late afternoon for a cup of tea and a scone. Whichever it refers to, it is good to set aside some time for tea consumption. The tea producers of Assam do not abide by their nation’s time zone, and neither should we Christians by the world’s. It tells us to hurry and make money, to fill our days seeking pleasure. The world tells us that time is short and that we only live once, but it would have us neglect the gospel and its eternal, everlasting consequences. While the world and its people watch telly, count their money or drown their sorrows, may we spend time with the Lord, quietly and alone, or with His people. A half-hour with Jesus is more precious than a thousand elsewhere. A period of time in His company is more refreshing than even a warm cup of Assam, nicely brewed, politely served.

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Col 4:5

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.'

Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

-William Longstaff, 1882