it's always better when it's fresh

AHH!  That first sip of freshly ground coffee in the morning.  Coffee enthusiasts will tell you that you never get tired of that aroma wafting through the kitchen or that first delicious taste.  Additionally, most lovers of the brew will add that there is something special about that first cup every day.  So, here I sit, with my 'thinking cap' on...sipping, savoring, feeling truly rich as a new day begins.  And I am reminded of a little story...

Her grandson was visiting. They had enjoyed each others company, but the time to go back home was drawing closer. He woke up early the next morning, smelling the unmistakeable aroma of coffee. He hurried to the kitchen where he knew he would find his grandma. She was pouring herself a cup of fresh coffee. She stopped while they exchanged greetings and hugs, and suddenly his little face lit up light the morning sky. "Grandma," he said, "do you think I could fix your coffee today? I remember how you like it." She smiled and agreed as she placed the cup next to the sugar and creamer, cautioning him about the very hot contents of the cup. "I'll be right back," he shouted. Then, positioning himself squarely between her watchful gaze and the cup of coffee, he began his work. His little hand flew to the sugar bowl more than once, as she waited patiently. Then the creamer. Next, the sound of the spoon mixing the brew, cautiously, but thoroughly. He turned with a triumphant look on his face and exclaimed, "There! It's all ready." She picked up the cup and took the first sip, and reeling from the sugar overload, smiled broadly and declared, "Why, that's the best coffee I've ever had!" He danced around the table singing, "drink it up, drink it up." And so, she did. As she came to the last swallow, she felt something solid touch her lips, and pulling the cup away, peered into it. Imagine her surprise when she saw three little green figures staring up from the bottom of the cup. "What's this?" she asked. His smile was ear-to-ear as he exclaimed, "Well, it's like they say on TV..."The best part of waking up is 'soldiers' in your cup!"

It's a cute story and I like to retell it, but even I know that the best part of waking up is not Folgers, Maxwell House, Dunkin', or even Starbucks...the BEST part of waking up is that you did!  But, that first delicious cup is right up there somewhere on the top of the list!

And that got me to thinking...

The same thing is true of our relationship to the Father.  The best part of waking up is finding him waiting for you.  Sitting 'together' for a few minutes, talking (and listening), exchanging plans and ideas about the day...mentioning friends who could use a personal visit, as well.  And so it goes, any day is always better when you take the time to start it together, with Him.  Each new day has its own share of wonders and disappointments, but when you've taken the time to start the day with Jesus, the outlook is suddenly better.  The burdens roll away and a new day is born.  Everything is fresh and new!  And it's always better when it's fresh.

Grab your coffee, go to your favorite chair, switch on the lamp, and open the book...He's waiting there!