Making a cup of coffee is simple. Two ingredients are combined and served. Making a great cup of coffee takes insight, awareness, and care. I caught myself smiling with the message in one title on a bookshelf behind the counter in a coffee shop, “How hard can it be?” My mind happily shared answers, many not complimentary. This coffee shop always delivers a consistent cup of coffee that fits a particular style and palette. One knows what one is getting. How hard can it be? The answer is more complicated than one imagines. The lingering question is, what can I do when the job is not getting done right?
Living seems easy. Simple ingredients come together as opportunities. Everyone wants a better future; what is left is all about choice and action. Life can be challenging, painful, and filled with uncertainties. Easy is rarely among the many words I associate with living. While acknowledging the storms and dark clouds in your life and mine, the responses to the questions and challenges in each moment are simple. Will I infuse my words and actions with compassion, hope, and care?
Life offers lessons for learning, growth, and new action. I often catch myself getting one or two points from a lesson, only to miss the opportunity to improve what I will do next moment. When I use awareness, insights, and learning to change my next step, I decide to move towards a better place. I find courage in the changes boldly taken in the past; “The law appoints as high priests, men who are never able to get the job done right. But this intervening command of God, which came later, appoints the Son, who is absolutely, eternally perfect.” (Hebrews 7.28)
What seems complicated can be routine when one is prepared, informed, and committed. The wonderful coffee I enjoy comes from the wisdom others shared, a willingness to try new techniques, and intentionally putting ideas into action. The day ahead can be easier than I imagine as I use life’s lessons to bring my best to each moment.
