The importance of my morning coffee
My attitude waking up this morning to my adorable son being so wide awake and ready for the day at 6 am was not exactly what I would call happy...my husband almost lost his head once or twice before he made it downstairs, actually, probably before he even made it into the shower. Steven is cutting a tooth (maybe more, that would make it more worth it for sure) and decided it would be fun to be up 12 times last night, including a nice 2 hour stretch where he couldn't decide if it was nighttime at all...Needless to say, I was one crabby mama this morning.
My life is pretty routine right now (well, daytime anyway - nighttime is kind of a crap shoot). Part of my morning routine is being the wonderful little housewife that I am and going downstairs to make Nathan a latte (and me one in the process too) before he goes to work. I did not feel like making my man coffee this morning...but, desperate for caffeine I rolled myself out of bed, shuffled down the stairs, muttering under my breath about who knows what the whole way down.
As the espresso machine warmed up and I began to get the coffee going God did some gentle nudging in the way only He can. It seems He uses this same time in the morning to remind me of things in my character I could improve on (I will admit...I don't listen to the reminders all the time). Must be something about being stuck staring into a pitcher of steaming milk that opens my mind to what He is saying. Well, this morning I was reminded that I am the commander of my attitude, not my family or the crummy circumstances facing my day (today a serious lack of sleep needed to function like a normal member of society). I am called to be like Christ, exemplifying His character. It is my responsibility to choose self-control over losing it, to choose patience over annoyance, to choose love and kindness instead of out of irritation cutting down the people I love most. Every morning waking up I have a choice on who's character I'm going to display. It can be my self serving character, trying to accomplish everything on my own and blaming others when what I have in mind doesn't work out, or it can be the character of Christ - not relying on my own strength, but the strength of the One who gives me breath, lovingly sacrificing for others, speaking in kindness and exuding patience. It is my choice! I will admit I often choose the former...and those are the days I wish we had do-over cards for. The days I make the right choice, and then realize how poorly equipped I am to face my choice, it becomes an all out plea to God for His strength to get me through on little sleep and no motivation, or whatever else it may be (the two mentioned are my top contenders these days). My God hasn't let me down yet!
I know - I got a whole sermon while steaming milk for a latte standing in my bathrobe and slippers in my kitchen with a baby at my feet.
Long story short - I got the message this morning and made the right choice. I enjoyed a wonderful morning with my son (his cuteness really does cover up his inability to sleep), and made my husband a wonderful dinner without setting the house on fire. Best of all - my wonderful husband returned the favor with a delicious ice cream creation from Cold Stone. Love that guy!
So look for those "coffee times" when God is speaking to you in the midst of your every day routines. For me this is becoming one of the highlights of my day - for the coffee - and the loving (and gentle reminders) I get from Him.
My life is pretty routine right now (well, daytime anyway - nighttime is kind of a crap shoot). Part of my morning routine is being the wonderful little housewife that I am and going downstairs to make Nathan a latte (and me one in the process too) before he goes to work. I did not feel like making my man coffee this morning...but, desperate for caffeine I rolled myself out of bed, shuffled down the stairs, muttering under my breath about who knows what the whole way down.
As the espresso machine warmed up and I began to get the coffee going God did some gentle nudging in the way only He can. It seems He uses this same time in the morning to remind me of things in my character I could improve on (I will admit...I don't listen to the reminders all the time). Must be something about being stuck staring into a pitcher of steaming milk that opens my mind to what He is saying. Well, this morning I was reminded that I am the commander of my attitude, not my family or the crummy circumstances facing my day (today a serious lack of sleep needed to function like a normal member of society). I am called to be like Christ, exemplifying His character. It is my responsibility to choose self-control over losing it, to choose patience over annoyance, to choose love and kindness instead of out of irritation cutting down the people I love most. Every morning waking up I have a choice on who's character I'm going to display. It can be my self serving character, trying to accomplish everything on my own and blaming others when what I have in mind doesn't work out, or it can be the character of Christ - not relying on my own strength, but the strength of the One who gives me breath, lovingly sacrificing for others, speaking in kindness and exuding patience. It is my choice! I will admit I often choose the former...and those are the days I wish we had do-over cards for. The days I make the right choice, and then realize how poorly equipped I am to face my choice, it becomes an all out plea to God for His strength to get me through on little sleep and no motivation, or whatever else it may be (the two mentioned are my top contenders these days). My God hasn't let me down yet!
I know - I got a whole sermon while steaming milk for a latte standing in my bathrobe and slippers in my kitchen with a baby at my feet.
Long story short - I got the message this morning and made the right choice. I enjoyed a wonderful morning with my son (his cuteness really does cover up his inability to sleep), and made my husband a wonderful dinner without setting the house on fire. Best of all - my wonderful husband returned the favor with a delicious ice cream creation from Cold Stone. Love that guy!
So look for those "coffee times" when God is speaking to you in the midst of your every day routines. For me this is becoming one of the highlights of my day - for the coffee - and the loving (and gentle reminders) I get from Him.
That's so good, Cassie! And so true. It reminds me of a quote by good ol' Abe Lincoln: "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
ReplyDeleteIt is a struggle when going on no sleep though. I don't think we were intended to go without sleep but I know I'll come out of this season stronger for it!