There are those that think certain things are optional in life. I am willing to admit that I enjoy a few OTT bits. Sparking mineral water to cool one’s head in a sauna is a good example even though the experience is absolutely and totally wonderful. But many things that others assume to be “extra” I would like to gently suggest should be on one’s “not option” list. Some of the more trivial examples of this include the following.
Fresh ground coffee, either by hand or with a burr grinder. Coffee itself may be optional yet the way it is prepared shouldn’t be. It doesn’t take any more time to get the water to the right temperature. Storing beans in a dark, air tight container isn’t a problem for most of us. Even grinding it fresh isn’t that a lot of work! The result is something that every coffee drinker should experience.
Being able to access and consume two, possibly three, liters of fresh filtered water each day. The toll of life’s stress, self-inflicted pain, and the daily rush is made even worse without water. Yet most of us cannot be bothered! We run through life lingering near empty, wondering why our body doesn’t function as we hope and expect.
Some read about the City God offers as our external home and laugh. “What a waste!” “The main street of the City was pure gold, translucent as glass.” (Revelation 21.22) Why bother with that?
The answer is simply because we deserve the best! We are children of God. We are people God redeemed through death. Certain things that others consider optional are not for us. We need water, hope, and mercy to sustain life. We have been given fresh coffee, acceptance, and grace. We don’t deserve any of it. We haven’t earned the right to walk on streets of gold. Everything is because of “who” God is and what Divinity has already done for us.
My prayer is that we do not squander the amazing gifts of life. We have everything to gain, everything to lose.
