Undaunted JoySample

There is something about being able to participate in the ritual of morning coffee, whatever that is for you. Whether it is making coffee just for yourself or for a loved one too. In my home, only my husband knows the perfect coffee-sugar-milk ratio I take. Even I do not know. Some days I think that ratio might be the secret to the entire universe.

It might be the most present we are in the entire day as we inhale the scent of the cup, close our eyes, and take a sip, establishing the true beginning of the day. Nothing tastes as good as that first sip. Not the second sip. Not the first sip from your third cup. It is that first sip. It fortifies us. . . .

I know some people don’t drink coffee. I myself drink tea when I go to the UK. (When in Rome!) But we aren’t talking about them. We are talking about the nearly 80 percent of Americans who drink coffee. You see, it is one of the things most of us have in common. We might differ on politics or religion or whether we eat carbs, but do you need a cup o’ joe to function in the morning? So do I! Through coffee, we see our shared humanity. ,I too, am a walking sack of bones and flesh until I have a morning jolt of caffeine to jump-start my heart and brain.

But truly, honestly, there are days when my coffee feels like grace. My heart is already racing with the day before me. And I want to sob, I am so overwhelmed. I warm my hands on the mug, close my eyes, and breathe. Just breathe. In that space between my own breath and the steam from the cup, I know God is there. “He is not far from any one of us” (Acts 17:27 NIV). In that moment, I am aware of the Holy Spirit within me and the presence of grace.

My cup and portion. My cup overflows. Cup of mercy. Goodness.

That cup of coffee is a prayer. A moment when we ask for what we have not words for. The moment of “Be still, and know I am God.” And in that breath, in acknowledging Your presence, You show us You will make a way where we see none.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for reminding me of your constant presence and for always working in my life. Amen.

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