Lattes

“To think differently…” - - - -  These are simple words on the surface, but if we look deeper into our inner selves, most of us realize that it’s much more difficult to actually turn around our ideas  or ways of doing things, along with  our  various pleasures.  

It used to be that Lent for me meant deprivation, sacrifice, and testing of my willpower.  This year I actually decided to give up lattes for Lent and wouldn’t you know it, the very first day I was tested, tempted, and felt deprived.   How could I do that to myself I sighed as I drove right by the coffee stand so close by, the aroma of espresso wafting out to lure in us slaves to caffeine.  

I decided to try and keep this promise to myself, and had to have at least a couple of pep talks, then decided to turn the deprivation into opportunity for thinking differently about the whole Lenten idea.  Instead of lattes, I actually am drinking water – lots of it actually,  and find it more enjoyable than I would have thought.  I am appreciating my new commitment even though it is a small thing in this complicated world.  In many parts of the world water is precious and life giving.

It may be a stretch, but the words of Romans 5:3-5 come to mind.   This has long been a special little passage for me and I’m not trying to trivialize its importance and power, as the words and message is profound.

    “Not only that, but we rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces
    endurance, which produces character, and character produces hop, and hope
    does not disappoint us.”  

I know I’m not really suffering, but I am slowly and infinitesimally building some endurance and character in these days.   Every time I wish for a latte (which is often I must admit) I try to focus on having an open mind and being able to see life, people, and situations in a new light.     And I drink my water with gratitude.