There are many subtle and not so subtle differences in brewed coffee. Changing the coarseness of the grind alone produces variety in flavor of coffee brewed, however, if cream and sugar are added, the nuances are completely overwhelmed. So powerful the masking that even when a completely different coffee is infused the coffee takes a backseat to all the other ingredients. For many of us, we like our day's experiences to be overwhelmed by the addition of things that mask the waves of incidents that flavor our day. Some might seek alcohol or drugs, others a toxin to speed the ensuing of the end, and even others the sugar and cream to cover the bitterness of life. These could be the ignoring, avoidance or even denial of fully entering into the painful assaults life brings, or even the brilliant, alluvial joy as well.
Yet, for me, I have come to relish the bitter side of life for it forges a strength and character that seems to come no other way. Indeed, often I get overwhelmed with emotion as a wave untempered overwhelms me drinking deeply of the pain and suffering it adds to my journey; but it is my God who brings me His strength helping me to the other side. How often it is that the most dripping, decadently profound moments are those found on the other side of near calamitous experiences. Yes, there I find life affluent and full. In the same way, when the joys and glory of life overwhelm me, the pinnacle of it's glory washes over me with resplendent cleansing of the deepest pain, resetting my soul, refreshing it to continue on.
In Acts 27, Paul embarks on a voyage, joining a ship already bound for Crete, seemingly headed in direct disobedience to the place he was called. 276 lives were aboard and working together toward their destination. It all began smoothly, sailing as expected to various ports, yet Paul was informed that the seas would turn and do so with violence. The captain ignored this warning and sailed on toward destructive waves that would take the life of his ship, but none of the men on board. Yet even in their darkest moment, by miracle, all the men were fed and refreshed before the utter destruction of the vessel that carried them through the storm to the final destination. God promised Paul that all would survive, and so he remained on the journey. My guess being that we will see many of these men in heaven because of Paul's faithfulness.
Each of these storms and even the quiet, blissful passages on my voyage bring the touch of the Master into my life, each of these and everything in between. I desire no drug, no poison, no cream and sugar to 'temper' the peaks and troughs of the waves in the seas of my voyage. I want to fully relish the calm and glorious seas between the storms. For mostly, I like my coffee black, to taste the nuances of each glorious moment that fills my day, each meeting, each pain, each joy and all the details that are...life. With Christ in my life, I am able to drink deeply and allow myself to taste the richness of life. I trust you will seek Him and join me in the richness of the adventure.
I like my coffee black. I don't like storms in my life more than anyone else but we need them in our life. occassionally a little cream but I truely feel that without we would not seek the Lord the way he sees fit. What a letdone we must be at times for God. I see Satan working overtime just alone in our church I don't think I can honestly comprehend the world. Bob I don't know how you think of these things that you blog about. Some are quite deep at times and I read and then read again and then I say, WOW! And now I say Wow!! God Bless
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