Tea with the Master in Haifa
bahaistories.com archive · Read original
When in Bahá'í history
Haifa (today: Haifa, Israel)
A woman visited the Master in Haifa, in May 1910. She later wrote about this visit, saying: ‘As He talked with me, I felt my heart soften under the influence of His goodness and kindness, and the tears came to my eyes. He asked me about myself, if I were well, and if I were happy. I replied to the latter question, “I have had many sorrows!” He replied, “Forget them! When your heart is filled with the love of God, there will not be room for sorrow, there will only be love and happiness.”’
She continued, ‘I cannot tell you the sweet sympathy of His voice as He said these beautiful and comforting words. Then He had the attendant bring in tea, a cup for Him and a cup for me. We drank together, wishing each other health and happiness, and then He told me that He hoped He should take tea with me in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Was that not a pretty thought?) When I praised the tea, He said it was real Persian tea, and presented me with a package to take away with me.’
Source: Honnold, Annamarie, Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 127
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: depression).
Cite this story
Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/depression
Record yourself reading this story
Recording stays on this device only. Nothing is uploaded.
Related stories
The French Teacher in the Master's Home
Letitia, a Catholic girl who taught French in the Master's home, was embarrassed after interpreting for a pilgrim. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá assured her that no one would try to make a Bahá’í of her.
Leaving the New York Apartment with Kindness
When the landlord in New York complained about His many visitors, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did not argue but moved out, showering the staff with such love that they felt ashamed and begged Him to stay.
Characterize Thyself with the Characteristics of God
An unhappy visitor from New York asks why ‘Abdu’l-Bahá always greets her in ‘Akká with “Be happy!” and what the spiritual life is. His answer stays with her, and she learns to know the spiritual life.
Laughter in the Kitchen
In London ‘Abdu’l-Bahá heard laughter from the kitchen and went to share the joke between a Persian servant and an English housekeeper. He laughed heartily and gave each of them a small gold coin for being happy.