Accept what is

While taking off my shoes in the hallway I noticed a flowery gift bag on the coffee table in the living room. I knew it was from my daughters. Unzipping my coat but not taking it off yet, I was curious to see what the bag would hold, and walked to the living room. I was rather certain I would get some tea from my favourite tea shop. I did. Honeybush Topkapi, Marrakesh Mint, and Cactus-Fig tea are three new flavours to taste. 

Under the tea packages was a wrapped box. Unwrapping it I found a white box with a small tea pot label. Did they gift me with a new tea pot? A strange little shiver ran through me. I broke my all time favourite little tea pot more than three years ago and have not found a replacement since. The red tea pot had been perfect - small and round like a little ball. I had loved it so much that after it broke, my husband glued the pieces together and now the pot sits on my bookshelf. Any time I saw other tea pots in the stores I commented: too big, not round enough, not the right colour, not to my liking. 

I opened the white box with a fear of disappointment. Inside was a just right size and perfectly spherical white teapot with a drawing of lotus flowers. I smiled. About two weeks ago when we were buying a gift for my dad, I commented about the same tea pot - this is is pretty. Clearly my youngest had heard me. 

I will never get the red tea pot back. It's in the past. I accept it. Now I have a new one and I know it will bring me joy. 

Last year I struggled with turning 50. I had very difficult time accepting the change of the first digit. Turning 51 is so much easier. Starting the new year of my life with a new teapot I feel gratitude and a sense of calm.