11th May 2006

Of Spiritual Reflection and Coffee by John Fischer

Spiritual reflection and the coffee experience have always gone hand in hand. Coffee is that dark, mysterious brew that holds secrets only more reflection, time, and conversation can unlock. It's that coffee experience that pulls us together or keeps us company alone, both of which can be good for understanding God better. Admittedly, the health benefits of coffee may be dubious at best, but let's face it, life isn't too kind overall. That's why we need a little help from faith, friends, and good coffee.

And we must call it an experience because that's what it is – far more than just a cup of coffee. You can go to 7-eleven for coffee, but you go to Starbucks to experience the aroma, the pleasant atmosphere, the stuffed chair (even if you don't have time to sit in it), and the company of others seeking the same thing, for we are all seekers.

In this case, we're seeking a real relationship with God, and as senior writer for PurposeDrivenLife.com, I invite you on a daily spiritual journey of discovering, connecting, growing, sharing, and serving that will help to define that relationship and make it real. Even those who have found a relationship with God are still seeking to find out what that relationship means on a daily basis. We are never done with the process of seeking and finding.

“Ask and it will be given to you,” Jesus said, “seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) This is the expression of a way of life. These are not one-time occurrences. They are the description of one living with an open hand, an open mind, and an open heart to God. It's also the portrayal of someone who wants something in the worst way - for God desires a relationship with someone who truly wants one with him.

So here's to faith and coffee, and I'm not so sure it matters a lot where one stops and the other begins, as long as they're both strong. And here's to the discovery of what it means to live your life on purpose on a daily basis.