Isn't it interesting how much we change over time? I suppose our bodies will be in a perpetual state of change until we die and go on to our final destination. Only there, in the presence of an unchanging God, will we stop developing and evolving. As a child I loathed onions and peppers, and now at twenty-six I'm planting a garden full of the things. The same can come with a genre in music that we once hated but now like, or with a film or a particular book. Truly, as fickle as we are as humans, we're inclined to change our opinions about one thing or another multiple times in our lives.
Many people dread change, so much so that there's a phobia of it: Metathesiophobia. Sometimes change is wonderful, sometimes horrible, and however it comes we're given very little choice in the matter. Change is inevitable. Change is constant. (This paradox does not escape me.) Me? I'm okay with change. I understand that there's a God out there in control of everything and that I'm not even a tiny speck of matter in this giant universe we live in. There are plenty of sudden things that happen that are earth shattering, but I realize that I'm not the one in control here and that all I can do is try and get on with things as soon as I can. Normalcy is good, but complacency and laziness not so much. That's why I challenge myself personally so often, to avoid growing lazy.
That's where coffee comes in. It's another one of those changes in my life. Used to (ten years ago), I drank those syrupy-sugary-thick cappuccino things you get for two bucks at the gas station. I liked that sickly sweetness. Now, I shudder to imagine sipping on one. I like bitter, dark coffee, especially if it's in a whole bean form straight from the land of Ethiopia. (When some friends returned from Ethiopia on an adoption trip, they brought back almost 40 lbs. of whole coffee beans. I fortunately received some of that swag.) I like to make a pot that when I hold it up to the morning sunlight it's too dark to see through. Splash in a touch of milk or creamer and I'm a happy man.
And one thing that I love about coffee is the community that comes with it. While I usually make a half a pot a day throughout the week and am the sole drinker of that pot, it's at the Wednesday morning Coffee Talk group that I enjoy my favorite brew. This group of men is a community of brothers that I look forward to spending time with every week. We come together, chew on some scripture, and challenge ourselves with living out the love that Jesus told us to exhibit. We're not satisfied being the norm and resting in our comfort zones. No, we want to help people like Jesus did, by being real and honest, not superficial and withdrawn. In essence, we're craving change.
Many people dread change. I'm just not one of them.
9 comments:
Hello,
What a great post! I think this is my new favorite blog! I will definitely be back to see what you dream up for the other letters, and to read more of your lovely writing. I am following now.
I am doing the A to Z Challenge as well. Take a peek at my blog too if you get a chance! I write humor. (Well, I make myself laugh, and sometimes that's enough.)
Best,
MOV
I love change. I thrive on change. Throw me an unexpected curve and I'll excel. It is routine that grinds me down and freaks me out. On the other hand, I am very much a traditionalist. Those are the inconsistencies that make life so much fun.
great post.
I have definitely had to focus on the positive aspects of change of late, because I care for it less and less. That said, there are certain contexts in my life that I, too, fear complacency and desire challenge--and having a group of people to meet these challenges with, to collaborate with and to keep each other sane and healthy--I'm so happy you have that with your coffee group. I hope you and they create positive change in yourselves and the community around you.
~L (omphaloskepsis)
Coffee and camaraderie... ah, bliss. Wish I had a group like that to meet with. Ah, well, the cheese stands alone.
Dave
@MOV: Ha, well, thank you. That's a nice compliment. Glad to have you here.
@quilly: Amen to that. We all need our traditions, but change is a fact of life. Some traditions can remain unaffected. Some, sadly, cannot.
@L: I am very blessed to have my community group. It's been forged through perseverance and a common desire. You're right about focusing on the positive aspects, though. Sometimes it's tough to see them, but I think they're usually always there, somewhere...
@Dave: Like I told L, I am blessed to have this group, and I work hard to do my share of things for the group.
Isn't there that saying "change or die"?. I have to agree that changes will happen whether we want them to or not, and while I am wired somewhat to dread changes, at least in certain areas of my life, like work, where I get comfortable, I realize that not only is it inevitable but that when we truly decide to walk in God's will and give ourselves over to following the path his word lights for us, change is going to happen. A lot of it. And it will all be good, even the painful stuff, because it makes us more like Him and brings us closer to Him. I just wish it didn't always take that hind sight perspective to see how God is leading. Then again, taking that step forward in trust is what faith is all about.
@Carl: Oh yes, indeed. If only we could take the hindsight and put it ahead of ourselves. 'Twould be nice. Alas...
When I first started drinking coffee, years ago, I would put hot chocolate mix in it. Tasted just like a mocha before mochas became the rage. Now I really dislike how sweet drinks are. I, like you, prefer my coffee incredibly dark (much like my beer) with a splash of milk. Mmmm...good stuff. Excellent post!
I love coffee! I appreciate change every now and then! I believe change is necessary to grow and develop.
Post a Comment