The Mormons hate it. The British serve it too weak. A killjoy on a recent mission trip was declaring it unhealthy. Offended, I told him that studies show coffee has antioxidants and boosts the sex lives of old people.
But, as any Starbucks aficionado will tell you, it’s not about any of that…
The Mormons hate it. The British serve it too weak. A killjoy on a recent mission trip was declaring it unhealthy. Offended, I told him that studies show coffee has antioxidants and boosts the sex lives of old people.
But, as any Starbucks aficionado will tell you, it’s not about any of that. It’s about a lifestyle. It’s about people you like and good conversation. It’s an antidote to the morning blahs. It’s about an ambience where brainstorms and evocative stories are shared, where everyone can become a Shéhérazade. Look at the video above of the mystical process of making it high in the Andes on a World Race trip and you’ll see what I mean.
Life is too sterile in America. We’re so antiseptic and driven. We don’t connect nearly enough with those we love. We mistake productivity for life – a good café con leche is an appropriate response to that crazy-making mentality. Coffee is a symbol of human connection – the swirl of steam coming off the cup a signal that hearts may be shared.
When I see my mentor Andrew Shearman at the airport, we’ll sit down over a double shot cappuccino with a splash of vanilla in it and we’ll talk about the great things that God just did wherever we happen to be in the world. We connect for a last time before hugging goodbye.
Last week at our Friday Soup Night group (that’s our small group that meets to eat soup, break bread, make merry, pray, exhort, and teach, all of which underscores our covenant with one another – the church as Jesus intended), Heather Goode pulled out a small treasure, a bottle of Tia Maria that had been sitting idle on some back shelf for 15 years. The fermented coffee flavor was a revelation and the group’s spirits picked up noticeably after it was served. I think the kingdom of God advanced.
All over the world today, Satan is plotting to steal, kill, and destroy. You can think what you want, but I believe one of God’s main strategies for introducing human beings to one another and the life of passion and love he intended is the humble cup of coffee.
One of my most memorable cups was on a crisp autumn morning at sunrise, standing on dock over a lake during a personal retreat. It doesn’t get any better…
That’s my husband’s comment just above. I’m glad he can have what he calls “coffee fellowship” with the Lord at times like that, because I personally just can’t stand the stuff. I heard him say early on in our marriage that not being able to have coffee fellowship with his wife was a tough adjustment for him. ‘Guess after today’s blog and comments, it shows the greatness of my husband’s love and faithfulness to me! 🙂
Coffee is a great counsellor and friend- It knows how to pick you up and it knows how to calm you down when you need relaxing- It has the power to give you and new outlook on life. GO COFFEE!!!!!
Seth- Can’t wait to sit and have one with ya.
Thanks, Seth. Some of my greatest brain storms and quiet times have been after a few cups of coffee. My friend calls it “coffee and Bible time,” as if the two were inextricably linked. Not sure about how “good” coffee is for your health (I thought tea was a better antioxidant), but the power of this post is in your spirit of just enjoying life without being too religious about any one thing. I’m learning a lot these days.
Just drank a cappuccino yesterday and thought of you. Also reminded me of Andrew’s quote: “My God, people, if you’re going to drink coffee, drink COFFEE!”
I think we all got a little extra hair on our chests from that coffee. It was an experience I will never forget. I’m not too sure I bought into the whole “cowboy coffee” movement, but I do enjoy a good strong filtered cup.
This is one of my favorite blogs ever! I just love coffee so much!
I love it! Thanks for a fun start to my day.
Love the video and blog, I’m one of those weird ones that love coffee …Brewed or just plain beans (RAW)
Go have a cup or two and enjoy the day!!!!!
Thanks guys. Karen, I’ve had my two cups – that was the fun start to mine!
One of my most memorable cups was on a crisp autumn morning at sunrise, standing on dock over a lake during a personal retreat. It doesn’t get any better…
That’s my husband’s comment just above. I’m glad he can have what he calls “coffee fellowship” with the Lord at times like that, because I personally just can’t stand the stuff. I heard him say early on in our marriage that not being able to have coffee fellowship with his wife was a tough adjustment for him. ‘Guess after today’s blog and comments, it shows the greatness of my husband’s love and faithfulness to me! 🙂
That is SO awesome! Coffee is good.:)
Coffee is a great counsellor and friend- It knows how to pick you up and it knows how to calm you down when you need relaxing- It has the power to give you and new outlook on life. GO COFFEE!!!!!
Seth- Can’t wait to sit and have one with ya.
Thanks, Seth. Some of my greatest brain storms and quiet times have been after a few cups of coffee. My friend calls it “coffee and Bible time,” as if the two were inextricably linked. Not sure about how “good” coffee is for your health (I thought tea was a better antioxidant), but the power of this post is in your spirit of just enjoying life without being too religious about any one thing. I’m learning a lot these days.
there’s no better way to relax than with a good latte, the Bible and a good friend. it’s part of how i let the Lord restore my soul…for real!
dad – a) that’s God offending you.
b) every morning Jenn and Sue and I say thank you Jesus every morning as we inhale our coffee.
love you!
coffee and tea are both great for you…mentally and physically. I think they are pretty closely related to the tree of life.
And if it’s Saint’s coffee (www.saintscoffee.com), then it helps out the world as it helps our hearts! Shameless plug for the in town coffee brew guy.
Amen! Buy the great Saint’s coffee and support some orphans while you’re sipping!
Just drank a cappuccino yesterday and thought of you. Also reminded me of Andrew’s quote: “My God, people, if you’re going to drink coffee, drink COFFEE!”
What a bittersweet blog! I’m stuck here in the sand with no good coffee in sight:(
I think we all got a little extra hair on our chests from that coffee. It was an experience I will never forget. I’m not too sure I bought into the whole “cowboy coffee” movement, but I do enjoy a good strong filtered cup.
I love this video.