By Penelope Carlevato
Summer, oh summer. A time to relax and slow down.
BUT for many of us, it brings exhaustion. My calendar fills up with activities, grandchildren’s visits, church events, VBS, vacations, and before we know it, we are busier than ever.
As Christian women, we often spend so much time caring for others that we forget to care for our own souls. Just as our gardens need water and sunshine to flourish, our souls need regular times of refreshment.
One of the simplest ways I have discovered to care for my soul is to schedule a gentle teatime practice.
A Sacred Pause
Sitting down with a cup of tea or a glass of iced tea may seem like a small thing, but this sacred moment can create a pause in the day that gives us some metime.
Consider creating a simple daily ritual. It might just be 15 minutes on the porch, sitting beneath a shade tree, or inviting a friend to join you in sharing a cup of tea. Soul care begins when we intentionally slow down enough to hear God’s voice speaking to us.
Why Tea, Why Now
For centuries, tea and herbs have been used to comfort and soothe.
Before modern medicine, cabinets contained pain relievers, and families often relied on herbs, spices, and teas. Scientific research continues to affirm many of tea’s health benefits. Tea contains natural compounds called catechins and flavonoids that help protect the body from stress and support overall health.
Even beyond physical benefits, tea provides something equally important: a reason to pause. Just taking the time to pour hot water over tea leaves, I am reminded that restoration often takes time. Tea cannot be rushed. It must steep. Just like our bodies and souls need times of refreshment.
Teas to Try This Summer
Summer is a great time to experiment with different kinds of teas and herbal infusions.
Peppermint tea offers cooling refreshment and may also help settle an upset stomach. Chamomile provides a calming influence and can help ease anxious thoughts. Hibiscus tea is delicious served over ice and contains Vitamin C. Lemon Balm has long been valued for its gentle soothing properties. Lavender tea can create a sense of calm after a busy day, and Rosehip tea adds brightness and is naturally rich in nutrients.
So, whether you choose one of the above herbal infusions, which are caffeine-free, or black or green tea, let the experience become more than simply drinking a beverage; let it become an invitation to rest.
Tending the Soul
Summer may also be the perfect time for spiritual soul care.
Just sitting quietly in His presence helps our minds unwind and weed out the things in our lives that deplete our energy. Just as a garden requires weeding and watering, our souls need the same attention. Perhaps you have let worry, comparison, and busyness hinder your growth with Jesus.
Summer Soul Care can be one of the holiest things we can do all summer. Think of it as a mini-retreat with Jesus. So, if this has your name on it, join me in a few easy steps to care for your soul this summer.
10 Simple Summer Soul Care Hacks
1. Begin the day slowly; go to the throne before the phone.
2. Set aside 15 minutes every day to just be. Sit on your porch or patio and listen to the birds or feel a breeze.
3. Take a prayer walk around your neighborhood and pray for the families who live near you.
4. Read that book that you never found time for last year.
5. Keep a gratitude journal. Write down just three blessings that you experienced from your day.
6. Learn to say NO and choose the best YES.
7. Take a short nap and just rest.
8. Notice all of God’s gifts throughout the day: a sunrise or sunset, children playing in the yard, or fresh peaches at the market.
9. Pray for those God puts in your area of influence.
10. Sit down and enjoy a cup of tea and a shortbread cookie!
A Sweet Companion: Lavender Shortbread
One of my favorite little snacks is lavender shortbread cookies.
These are so easy to make and go well with a cup of tea or a glass of iced tea, and kids love their rich buttery melt-in-your-mouth taste too.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of butter
- 2 cups of flour
- ½ cup lavender infused sugar*
- ½ tsp vanilla
- Zest of one lemon
- Pinch of salt.
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy with an electric mixer, then add vanilla.
- Add the flour, salt, and lemon zest to the butter and sugar mixture.
- Pat the dough into an ungreased 9- by 9-inch pan and press the edges down. Prick the dough with a fork about every inch.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cut into squares while still warm. Enjoy!
*Lavender infused sugar:
- 2 cups of sugar and 1 Tablespoon of dried culinary lavender.
- Place ¼ to 1/3 cup of sugar with the lavender in a coffee grinder or food processor until finely ground.
- Add the lavender/ sugar mixture to the remaining sugar and combine. Store in an airtight container.
See Penelope’s previous recipe recommendation HERE.
PENELOPE CARLEVATO is the author of The Art of Afternoon Tea: From the Era of Downton Abbey and the Titanic as well as Tea on the Titanic, First Class Etiquette, and The Tea Lover’s Journal.
