Friday, September 11, 2015

A Cup Of Coffee

"Would you like a cup of coffee?"

Sure!  I would LOVE a cup of coffee.

No, I don't really care what the cup looks like. I started out with a little Chinette cup when I was a kid and have enjoyed coffee from paper cups, styrofoam, china, clay mugs...and my absolute favorite is the coffee mug with the faded pic of my kids on it from Father's Day in 2005.  Such sweet faces.

As far as the actual coffee goes, I realize that I have different tastes than others. Some really enjoy their coffee a deep black, while others prefer a little sugar or some honey. Some like robust, dark coffee. Others like lighter, sweeter blends. Some strong, some weak.  Kona for me, thanks.  Oh, and if you have some Vanilla Caramel creamer, that is my personal favorite.  No sugar needed...it's sweet enough on its own.

Some really enjoy their coffee black, while others prefer a little sugar or some honey. Some like robust, dark coffee. Others like lighter, sweeter blends. Some strong, some weak.  Is that Kona?  YES!!!!

That's why there are so many blends and roasts and coffees that come from all over the world.  But, it doesn't change the essence of the coffee itself; only our consumption of it.

I like coffee hot, but not too hot. I will usually let my coffee sit and cool off a bit before I drink it, sometimes to the point of it being just warm, then off to the microwave for a 30 second boost.

Sometimes I take it in immediately and enjoy the warmth as it approaches my heart. Other times, I like to let it sit so I can take in the odor and let it cool a bit so that I can really enjoy the flavor and texture. The bitterness mixed with the sweetness, the quenching water and the energizing spirit that dwells in it. I drink it in slowly, savoring it.

I usually drink 2 cups (mugs) of coffee each morning. The first is always freshly brewed, usually before it has finished brewing because I just can't wait. I take that first sip. Man, that's good! I drink a sip at a time, but by 1/2 cup, it's getting cool, so I top it off. Steam....that's a good sign.

And the aroma. Even people who don't drink coffee like the smell of coffee. They walk in a room where good coffee is being brewed and breathe in deep. Ahhhhh! Coffee. But, taking a cautious sip, they may turn up their nose and walk away. Too bitter. Too dark. Seems they just haven't acquired a taste. But, maybe they just haven't tried the right roast, or perhaps they haven't had someone take the time to make a cup that hit the right mix of creamer and sugar and cinnamon and cocoa and vanilla......etc. Still, the smell is enough to keep them coming back into the kitchen...the gathering place...for yet another, Ahhhhh! Coffee.Then there are the times that life and work and getting the kids ready for school all get in the way, and my cup of coffee just sits there and gets cold. I forget to drink it....it just sits there.  I don't pick up my mug to reflect on the beautiful faces of my children.  I don't take the time needed to invest in my routine.  I don't make the time to bring the warm, sweet, energizing nourishment into my day.   I have wasted a perfectly good cup of coffee that could have really done the trick as I started this morning.


- - - - - - - -

Have you ever noticed that someone that really appreciates their coffee usually has REALLY good coffee and will almost immediately ask you, "Would you like a cup of coffee? I have this great blend that is fresh. I'll grind some up just for us.  Here, let me make you a cup. Sugar? Cream?"  What they are really saying is, "Can I serve you?" They take into consideration that you have certain tastes and expectations that might allow you to enjoy it bit more, or that you've never had coffee and may need a little special care. They may even give you their own favorite mug.

It is immediately evident that they take their coffee seriously, and are ready to share their coffee so that you can experience what a really good cup of coffee can be.

Then, on the other hand, people who aren't so confident about their coffee, don't really care about its quality or quantity, and are not really focused on serving.  They will generally wave their hand in the direction of the coffee pot and say, "Yeah. We've got some over there if you want to get some yourself."  The pot obviously hasn't been cleaned for a while. Styro cup and generic sugar...maybe creamer, if it isn't clumped up from sitting unused.  Even I...as a coffee lover...have a hard time stopping for coffee here.  I may get a cup to be kind...but, it's not likely I will go back for another.

I have heard so many people say "I just can't start my day without a cup of coffee." Or, "Don't even think about taking away my coffee. I just can't function in the morning without it."


But, how often do you hear someone say, or post on Facebook... "I just can't start my day without spending some time with God and His Word, thanking Him for the blessings in my life and asking for help in my own an others' lives."  -or-  "Don't even think about taking away my morning prayer and reflection time. I just can't function without Him."

Excuse me just a minute......

Going to top off my "coffee."

No comments:

Post a Comment