A Cup Of Coffee?

I'll take a cup of coffee, please.

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 now prefer my coffee mug with the pic of my kids on it from Father's Day in 2005.

Don't worry, if it's a little dirty, I know where I can wash it clean and I don't mind the effort.

I'll take some Vanilla Caramel creamer, please, as that is my personal preference. God knows that I have different tastes than others. 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 week. Kona for me, thanks.

And, by the way, there's nothing wrong with the way you enjoy your coffee, nor with mine. It's just different. It doesn't change the essence of the coffee itself; only my enjoyment of it. (God made the creamer, too, by the way.)

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. In like kind, I will sometimes read the Bible and come across a scripture that screams at my soul. "Here I am! You need me today." 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. The bitterness mixed with the sweetness, the quenching water and the energizing spirit that dwells in it. I drink it in slowly, savoring it.

Then there are the times that life and work 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 have wasted a perfectly good cup of coffee that could have really done the trick as I started this morning.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 smell. Even people who don't drink coffee like the smell of coffee. They walk in a room where the coffee is being brewed and breathe in deep. Ahhhhh! Coffee. But, taking a cautious sip, they 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 coffee, or perhaps they haven't had someone make a cup that hit the right mix of creamer and sugar and cinnamon and cocoa and vanilla......etc. The smell is enough to keep them coming back in the kitchen for yet another, Ahhhhh! Coffee.

Have you ever noticed that someone that really likes their coffee usuallyhas REALLY good coffee and will almost immediately ask you, "Would you like a cup of coffee? I have this great coffee. Here, let me make you a cup. Sugar? Cream?" They take into consideration that you have certain tastes and expectations that might allow you to enjoy it bit more.

Then, on the other hand, people who aren't so confident about their coffee will wave their hand in the direction of the coffee pot and say, "Yeah. We've got some coffee over there if you want to get some."

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 "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. 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......

Excuse me, Sir. Would you mind topping off my cup, please?