The Arrival
Caroline understood why the North American Native Americans called the giant steam engine an “Iron Horse”. It pulled the passenger train over the rough terrain of rural New York State with ease. It chugged along. over mountains and through valleys while following rivers and canals. Mrs Monk and Caroline engaged in lively conversation with expectations of what their new home would look like while Rev. Monk slept in the seat behind them. He had quickly grown tired of their chatter as Caroline strained her head between the seats to talk with his wife. The best thing for him to do to get any rest was to trade seats with Caroline so she could sit next to Mrs. Monk. He could still hear their chatter but dozed off in no time. It was April and spring was coming in full force with rain and more rain. The landscape was more beautiful than they had imagined. The closer they got to their stop the more animated their discussion got. What would the house look like? How big was the church? Who would be meeting them? Lots of questions were waiting to be answered. At last the conductor came down the aisle and announced “Earlville, next stop. Gather your belongings and head to the back of the car. The porters will attend to your baggage.” The two ladies were up in an instant. Rev. Monk had to wake up before he could get moving.
As the train pulled into the station, Caroline noticed the small town and that there was a hotel across from the station. She was glad she had a home to go to without hesitation. On the platform stood a small group of folks from the church ready and waiting for them. They were excited too and had been looking forward to meeting the weary travelers who had come all the way from England to their small town.
After settling in the parsonage, the welcoming committee left them in the peace and quiet of their new home. Dinner was waiting for them when they arrived which was a delight. After eating, Caroline headed to her room to begin unpacking personal items and to give the Monks time to themselves. After all Caroline was their “Living In Girl” and she knew her place. But she soon found out that things were about to change in America when a quiet knock came to her door. “Come with me Caroline. It’s time for afternoon tea.” Mrs. Monk had a key on a ribbon around her neck and she smiled as they joined Rev. Monk who was settling into his new study. Books were already on the shelves and the tea tray with a china tea pot and three china cups to match awaited. Mrs. Monk proudly took her tea chest from the table and used the key to open it and display Twinning Teas of different kinds that she had brought from London. She felt like she was truly the “Lady of the house”. All three found themselves at home in Earlville. Caroline soon became like the Monk’s daughter as they faced the future together. Afternoon tea always make everything better, especially with those you love.
What afternoon tea may have looked like in Rev. Monk’s study.
Faith Break Moment
Psalm 16:6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely, I have a delightful inheritance. (NIV)
The Monk’s and Caroline were facing change; however, they would look back in the years to come to give thanks to God for bringing them into this new life. Perhaps you are like me and have had several new beginnings and second chances in life. There are times when we all think that life is too hard and wonder where we go from here only to realize later that The Holy Spirit was right there with us carrying us through. When we hold on to our faith and hope we are able to say with the psalmist, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Have a blessed day! It’s time for tea!
Rev. Carol
