Lessons I’m learning about lattes, life, and love

Friday morning dawned bright and chilly in Denver, Colorado, today. Somehow, I managed in an uncharacteristic move to shut off my alarm and over sleep 45 minutes this morning. My down comforter formed such a warm cocoon . . . Ah, well, such is the excuse of every tired teacher about this time of year.

In a rush, I quickly stirred together yogurt, fruit, and granola in a plastic purple bowl and munched on this concoction during the long, dark 6 a.m. commute to work. My thoughts slowly began to emerge from the fog of sleep, taking shape in a confused jumble of overwrought emotions and spiritual cravings. It’s a good thing it’s Friday.

As the snow slowly melts outside my classroom blinds, I now ponder the lessons of the week. Above all else, the rollercoaster that has been this week has confirmed for me that lattes, life, and love are inextricably intertwined. You can’t have coffee, stress, and relationships by themselves. They’re a package deal. However, for the sake of my A-type personality’s dearly loved organization and structure, I have tried to separate out the highlights from the melee of interwoven reflections on the week. Keep in mind, I’ve laughed and I’ve cried this week in abundance. I hope you at least share a few chuckles as you peruse the following lists.

Lessons I have learned about LATTES . . .

• Decaf is not always all that it is cracked up to be. Thursday’s 3 cups of caffeinated brew proved that I can be a very happy teacher with the help of this bean’s dark stimulant
• Caramel drizzle and salt sprinkles adds the extra “Oo la la” to Starbuck’s fall season Salted Caramel Mocha latte. Make it a cafe misto with skim milk and less pumps of syrup, and you have a healthier rendition of this indulgent steamer. See http://wp.me/p1Vsn8-3k for my full description and comments.
• A cup of catharsis is just as needed as a cup of bliss on many occasions. Cinnamon froth lingered on my mug’s rim with much to say to my exhausted self. See http://wp.me/p1Vsn8-38 for a more in-depth reflection on that evening’s espresso experience.
• A blog about coffee and life that I have been enjoying this week is A Cup of Moe at http://findingcoffee.wordpress.com/.

Lessons I have learned about LIFE . . .

• It’s okay to not be okay. Sometimes circumstances don’t make sense, and I want to know “why.” Wednesday’s chapel caused tears to course down my cheeks and sobs to rack my body as the emptiness of infertility resonated within my soul. Those tears spring up anew o’er and o’er again, as I continue to wrestle through my desires, impatience, and pain to rest in my Savior’s plan. Read  http://wp.me/p1Vsn8-3D for my thoughts on this subject.  
• Climbing up into the lap of the Ultimate Truth Giver is the only way to deal with unpleasant and contradictory truths. Disappointments hurt. God is still faithful. To read more about this click on http://wp.me/p1Vsn8-2S.
• Selfless serving is a characteristic that I am striving to build into my thoughts, actions, and attitudes. I’m going to fail. I can count on it. But, my prayer will remain, “Lord, make me a servant. Perfect. Pleasing. Acceptable.” See http://wp.me/p1Vsn8-2W for more of my honest confession.
• My friends and family have rallied around me and poured out their support and love in response to my ramblings this week. “Overwhelmed” is the only word that describes how grateful I am that I am not standing alone.
• An honest blog about trust and infertility that has encouraged me this week is To Live for Him at http://nmetzler.wordpress.com/.

Lessons I have learned about LOVE . . .

• It’s the little things that make or break a relationship. Doing the dishes. Kissing goodnight. Never losing sight of love in the midst of prayers for the miraculous. Ice cream. A lot of ice cream. See http://wp.me/p1Vsn8-3r for more about little things.
• Worry is a two-way street, affecting both spouses. Worry builds a wall between people, fostering distrust and discouragement.
• I can serve my husband by caring about the things that he cares about . . . right now, that means staying current with the continued fundraising and logistics of the upcoming Senegal mission trip that he is leading. David eats, breathes, and sleeps “Africa” right now. Twenty-two days till departure!

Let me leave with you with the overall impression from the week. Take life moment by moment. Savor each cup of coffee. Allow yourself to engage with each emotion of a tumultuous season – fully experience laughter and joy, while giving yourself permission to cry and mourn. Trust. Sweet trust. God is faithful.