Anyone who has much of a connection with me – be it personally or even through social media – knows that I’m a woman passionate about her coffee. I’ve always prided myself on being a coffee snob… until my husband talked me into a Keurig this past year. (Hey, I was pregnant and tapping a pod in and pushing a button was about all I could do in the morning.) But typically, I love fresh roasted (read: pricey) beans ground fresh every morning. I love smelling the aroma as the hot (but not too hot) water hits those grounds. I own a french press, an Aeropress, a toddy maker and a pour over cone. I’ve tried Chemex and Siphoned coffee. I. love. coffee. 

But I’m also really anal about the vehicle the coffee makes it’s way to my lips in. I will not drink coffee from styrofoam – hotel coffee from a styrofoam cup has no place in my life. I have long said goodbye to any plastic or metal travel mug. I need glass. I need a mug. A unique or cutesy or fun or inspirational mug. I seem to have an addiction actually and my husband might have had words with me a time or two (or five) on my constantly growing collection. Oops. 

One day I was pondering my obsession with coffee and it’s carrier – after being called out on it several times in a short period of time – and I realized something. It’s not so much the coffee that I love as the experience that I love. That would explain the mug vs. styrofoam thing. It’s not much of an experience cuddling a foam cup, right? So here’s a few words that encapsulate the experience that drinking coffee brings to me.

Relationship: Even though I do drink coffee alone at times, most of the time, I’m connecting with someone over that cup of coffee. In the mornings, it’s my husband. The first conversations had each day are with my main man over a cup of java. (After the first sips have made their way into my blood stream.) I schedule coffee dates with friends on a regular basis. I take my daughters out on coffee dates. Cradling my mug while listening intently to friends share their hearts. Giggling with my girls over the latest school happening while sipping steamy goodness. Yes, relationship is a huge part of my coffee infatuation.

Reflection: In those moments when I’m enjoying my java by my lonesome, there’s always reflection happening. The definition of reflection is “to think quietly and calmly – deeply; consider; contemplate; meditate – focus on one’s thoughts”. In the mornings, I ponder my day ahead. I let the Lord breathe His sweet Spirit into my soul. Often my Bible or my most current read is close by and provides food for thought as well. And then of course, a journal to record my thoughts or my phone to share excellent quotes on Facebook. 

Rejuvenation: Whether I’m enjoying my cup with friends or family or by myself, rejuvenation always happens. Something about  a mug in my hand and sweet caffeinated nectar filling my body and my sleepy brain, causes, not only a physical awakening but a soul-ish one as well. As a mamma to 4 kiddos, co-director of a ministry school, leader in women’s ministry, and all the other hats a woman can wear, rejuvenation is important. It’s easy to grow weary in life and we all need that pick-me-up from time to time. Coffee and all that the experience is to me does just that.

Who knew so much was involved in a simple cup of coffee? And maybe it’s not coffee for you, maybe your enjoyment of relationship, reflection and rejuvenation comes in a completely different package. I just hope you have that something…. that something that sends a beautiful message like my coffee cup.

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Dani Stroda

I love the adventure of life - aspiring to live every day lost in the whimsy and wonder of the journey. I’m outrageously in love with my amazing husband who makes me laugh every day. I’m mamma to 4 gorgeous and witty daughters who delight me everyday. I’m overwhelmed by the love of our Creator and passionate about helping others find freedom and wholeness - body, soul and spirit. I am author of the book, Journey Through the Door, which released in November 2015. A good conversation, with a friend, over coffee is a favorite pastime of mine and you can join me over at http://www.whimsyinmycup.com/ to join in the conversation! Also find me at “Whimsy In My Cup” on Facebook.

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