Ready For a Fresh-Brewed Life?

Ready For a Fresh-Brewed Life?

This morning has been one of those times I want to savor. Bright morning sunshine emerging across a cloudless blue sky, gentle breezes dancing with the trees, and a temperature dipping down into the 70’s. After a hot Texas summer, I’m looking forward to Fall’s arrival as I enjoy a little taste of what’s to come.

So, I took time to sit outside with a cup of coffee and greet the birds that came to serenade. You see, I like to ease into my schedule and I can’t think of any better way than with beautiful weather, nature’s delights, and a fresh cup of coffee.

Have you enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee lately? Not one from a pot that was left sitting on the burner too long. Not one you set aside and let get cold. Not a stale cup from yesterday you’ve tried to re-warm. I’m talking about savoring a fresh brewed cup of coffee.

Devoted coffee drinkers know that making a tasteful cup of coffee begins with a coffee maker that connects to a strong power source. We need a clean pot that’s free of residue and without cracks that might lead to leaks. We also need a filter to separate the grinds from the final brew. Then there are the ingredients—clean water and fresh ground coffee beans. We might have the same type of coffee brewing system; however, each of us can choose the blend of coffee that reflects our personal taste. Flavored? Decaf? Chicory? Mild?

Coffeemaker plugged in.

Filter and ingredients in place.

The “on” button pressed.

Now it’s time to do what doesn’t come easily to many of us: wait. Certainly, not my preference. After all, when I want a cup of coffee, I’m typically ready for it right then. I don’t want to stand by and wait. But, perhaps it’s true that some things are, indeed, worth waiting for. So, I wait.

In due time, cold water and ground beans brew into a sweet aroma and full flavored beverage. Enjoying my coffee is more than simply drinking a hot liquid. It’s the experience of letting the cup’s warmth permeate my hands as I gently savor each sip. In the morning, that first cup is a gentle nudge to greet a new day and prepare to experience what’s in store. Mid afternoon sometimes calls for a “pick-me-up.” Coffee after a meal invites companions to linger awhile and share a slice of life.

While enjoying a fresh brewed cup this morning, I began looking beyond my mug to the process of living life itself and thinking: I want to move beyond the past and experience a “fresh brewed” life. Yesterday’s cup was good for that place and that time. However, today’s a new day and opportunity for fresh experiences—in my coffee cup and in my life.

Are you ready for a taste of freshness in your life as I am?

• The first step is to be sure we’re connected to a strong power source. How thankful I am that God’s love and mercy fuels the energy we need to make life work each day, as we stay connected to Him.

• Then we need to make sure our “containers”—our minds and hearts through which the essence of our lives flow—are clean and free of past residue that might alter the flow or affect the taste.

• We also need a good filter to sift out harmful impurities.

• Ingredients are the next consideration. How will we blend talents, beliefs, opportunities, and relationships to create the freshness of life we want to experience? And what about choices? Do we merely settle for what others are having? Or, are we willing to explore possibilities and make choices that fit the unique blend of life we desire?

• Then, there’s the waiting. Whether we’re brewing coffee or allowing time for things to come together in our lives, often times we must patiently wait. And, I’ll admit, that’s not always an easy task for me. I struggle at times as I wait on God to answer prayers, open doors, change circumstances, heal wounds, meet needs. Yet, I know that while I’m waiting, God is at work preparing—brewing—just what I need to quench my thirst and satisfy my soul. And in His time, He fills my cup to overflowing with His grace.

Today’s a perfect day for us to pause from the busyness of our schedules so we can savor some fresh coffee and savor the blessings God has poured into our lives. Each day He provides a fresh opportunity to experience life to the fullest. Now it’s up to us to savor the richness of this day and do all we can to make it “good to the last drop.”

Enjoy!