I am not a coffee drinker and I don’t know how to make it. Many times I have tried and many times I have failed. And I mean failed in in epic ways.
Coffee Talk
This is my humble, albeit late, apology to everyone at Rejoice Freewill Baptist Church in the fall of 1997 who walked out of the early Sunday service with a headache. I was volunteering at the 8:30am church service and was tasked with “just fill the five gallon pot with water, drop in the pre-measured bag and press the start button”. Not being a coffee drinker, I had no idea there was such a difference between the red label bags (caffeinated) and the green label bags (decaf)? Again, so sorry, my bad.
A few years later I was making coffee for my boss’ office guests in a regular coffee maker and had no clue a filter was needed. I plead ignorance! The ones at church are built in, remember? Seriously, who knew a filter would be that important? As it turns out, filters can be very important and come in many forms.
Life Filters
Filters are not just for coffee pots anymore. I don’t know a social media fanatic that doesn’t take a selfie and apply at least one photo filter. Oh come on, are you telling me those laugh lines and crow’s feet mysteriously disappeared during the 48 hours I last saw you? I’m not buying it. But, truthfully, I don’t blame you for wanting to appear your best. After all, no one wants to show where they struggle.
We even filter our words. It is almost routine to reply, “Doing good, how about you?” when someone asks how we are. And, truthfully, most days are good days. When you are blessed with a place to live, food in the fridge, a way to travel around town and someone you love to share those things with, it is more than a good day-it is a great day! However, there are those days (and I know you know what I mean) that you just can’t bring yourself to face the day ahead. A brutally honest friend of mine will say, “I just can’t adult today.” Let’s face it, the responsibilities of adult life are not for the faint of heart.
Adulting
In your world, adult responsibilities may mean commuting to a job, or you might open your eyes at 5am and already be working as your toddler pokes a cheerio in your nose. As a dog mom, I couldn’t sleep in even if I tried. I swear, my morkie has a bladder the size of a peanut and it reaches full capacity at 6:02am, weekday or weekend. As a wife, I might have my day interrupted with an errand that my husband can’t get to by 5pm. Being a mother and grandmother means if I’m lucky I might get a last minute invitation to a school program in the next town. I am an adult child with senior parents, so my day can take a turn from attending a meeting to attending a cardiologist appointment. Every day brings with it some type of surprise or challenge and I wouldn’t have it any other way, but I sure could use a nap or break sometimes. Can I get an ‘amen’?
Paul writes in Galations 6:9, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” He was writing to the members of the Galatia church, but I take it to heart as if he were writing to me. I am encouraged that God knew there would be days that I might get weary and tired as I try to meet responsibilities and do what is right. When I feel like an unorganized mess, it shows on my face, no matter how much concealer I put on.
Just As You Are
Are you feeling that way today? Try a little self-care. Take yourself to a movie and eat the whole tub popcorn by yourself. Sneak in a cat nap when the kids or elderly parents lay down for a bit (it’s ok, really). Go for a walk by yourself, even if just to check the mailbox…two or three times. If you have more days of struggle than good ones, consider talking with a friend, doctor or counselor. It is okay to feel like you and your life are a mess. Tell your heavenly Father all about and ask for help. Adult life can be hard, but take heart, He already knows your struggle and loves you just as you are-no filter needed.