Just the smell of coffee brings back a flood of happy memories of a simpler time. Cherished times spent at my grandparents home. I have vivid memories\u00a0 of early morning, sun beginning to peak through the window, classical music playing downstairs and the rich aroma of coffee beginning to brew. My grandpa was a predictable, loyal and proud man. He took walks early every morning, ate cereal and drank his coffee while reading the daily newspaper.\u00a0 He was mostly serious but had a way of telling stories about his past that made them come to life again and always made you smile. I could sit for hours and talk with him.<\/p>\n
He went home to be with Jesus more than a decade ago but the smell of coffee and the early morning light still brings his memory rushing back. His big bear hugs, his quiet “I love you’s” or the pride in his eyes when all his children and grandchildren were in church with him.\u00a0 I can almost see, hear and reach out and touch. Moments that I will always cherish and never forget.<\/p>\n
Sitting down and having a cup of warm coffee with a loved one or friend is made up of moments to savor. Being still and taking a few minutes to watch our children play or listening to our spouse tell of his or her day can be the making of beautiful memories. All this over a cup of coffee. A way to slow to the rushing of time and imprint pictures in our hearts that will live on, long after the precious moment has passed. This is what makes up a life and can not be retrieved for a more convenient place or time.<\/p>\n
I am so grateful for my rich memories and I am fully aware that time passes by far too quickly. Moments must be honored, held close but not too tight and never taken for granted. Yet we run the risk of allowing discontent, bitterness and regret to seep in, take root and hold us captive.\u00a0 May we each embrace the wonder and joy that is in the ordinary, routine and even hard minutes and hours of our day. There are sweet mercies and pockets of grace available for those who are willing to fully engage and truly see.<\/p>\n
Can you smell the rich aroma?<\/p>\n
Go on, sit a while and have a cup or two.<\/p>\n