There is joy, wonder, and awe with the sight and smells gifted by the French Press in the morning. It is relatively simple to some. Many see it as a cumbersome way to make coffee. To me, it is the opposite. I selected fresh-roasted beans for their rich chocolate and nutty profile. I chose a grind with the French Press in mind. Beans are weighed and ground each morning for the Press. What follows touches all the senses – something new, present, and possible.
I know there are more expensive ways to have my morning coffee. Others do not worry about the ingredients or methods. In the reflection that follows my first sips, I listen to Life’s whispers sharing lessons for my day.
The content of our hearts and souls matters. I see and feel the difference when I feed my mind and heart with great food, positive relationships, and the beauty of nature. I am reminded that this action predisposes me to caring and compassion. The goodness in what goes in alters my perspective and impacts my choices. I know my choices for what I consume are not always the best. Life reminds me that she does what she can to utilise the best of what is within me, and, on my best days, with my agreement, discards the rest.
.
Ingredients do not guarantee success. Every step reflects a combination of choices. The content, intent, and understanding of what happens is shaped by how I exercise freedom. I choose. I decide. I can blame others, point to their advantages, even link the conflict of good and evil to my story. Old words reflect this: “There are people, for instance, on whom God showers everything – money, property, reputation – all they ever wanted or dreamed of. And then God doesn’t let them enjoy it. Some stranger comes along and has all the fun. It’s more of what I’m calling smoke. A bad business.” (Ecclesiastes 6.2)
I have the freedom to accept Divinity’s gifts of acceptance, belonging, and compassion, and to do something with them.
