A Good Taste of Life

Today is one of those wonderful Saturdays where the entire day is a day off.  I lounged around before making my way to the kitchen to make my coffee and grab a bowl of mango, papaya and passionfruit yogurt (its AMAZING.).  I took it all back up to my room, which is much warmer than the kitchen.  

Four years ago, I wouldn't touch coffee.  I hated the taste.  Gradually, through hot chocolate mixed with coffee, I began to like it and the hot chocolate to coffee proportions shifted.  It became coffee with milk and sugar.  Admittedly, a lot of sugar!

Now last Saturday, I realized I can even drink coffee with a lot less milk and sugar.  I was at a friend's house and she offered me coffee and of course, she made my drink for me.  Personally, I would have added more milk and sugar, but out of politeness, didn't comment and instead enjoyed my first and second cups of coffee while we chatted.  And I did enjoy it.  

My tastebuds were challenged even more later in the afternoon.  Her husband made a lavish Iranian meal for us.  I've been a vegetarian for five years now.  My friend forgot this and I couldn't bear to mention it after they put together this beautiful meal.  "Oh Lord, please don't let this meat make me sick!" and I started eating.  We had mincemeat, fish, and chicken, as well as rice.  It had smelled wonderful as P and I sat talking and her husband O cooked, and the taste met the expectation.  I'm pleased to say that God answered my prayer!  

The reminder to me has always been to question my priorities in this ministry called life.  Which matters more, my preferences or my relationships?  People, of course.  But as I sat with my coffee this morning, I thought about how God blesses me in such little ways as well as big ways.  Had I not started drinking coffee four years ago, I would have missed out on endless talks with friends here in London, for whom sharing a hot beverage is essential to warming up to a personal conversation.  

I had a weekend away at the beginning of the month.  I was able to meet some wonderful people with a similar focus.  One gentleman shared his insight: "You can go into homes with your shoes on or your shoes off.  You can go with your shoes on and be greeted with a smile and be on your way in half an hour.  Or can go in and take off your shoes and be welcomed into the family.  You'll share cups of tea and after about the third cup, you'll find out what is really going on in their lives."  I choose shoes off, and yes, I'd love a coffee, thanks!