I LIKE COFFEE... (PART 1)

Welcome to a short three-part series exploring the parallels between making coffee and how God works in our lives. As a coffee enthusiast and barista, I've found that brewing espresso can mirror God's precise care in shaping us. We'll talk about the preparation and attention to detail required in both, embrace the transformative process that refines us, and savor the moments of community, perseverance, and continual growth. I will explain how patience, trust, and God's perfect timing can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." — Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

PART 1: The love of coffee and God's work

I'm not sure about you guys, but I love coffee! If money permits, you can find me in a coffee shop the majority of the time.

Recently, I even began working in a coffee shop, and I can say that being a barista has lived up to my expectations! I've learned so much about the coffee industry, and I thought I would share with you something that I correlate with the process of making coffee: God.

Now, you are probably wondering why I am comparing God to coffee, but it is more about how I view both processes.

When I trained to make a latte or any drink that involved an espresso, my boss constantly reminded me, "You can't speed up the process of the espresso being pulled." This was something I had to keep reminding myself throughout my shifts. Even during a big rush, I could not speed up the process of pulling an espresso.

Espresso is made through a very fine process. A barista prepares the coffee machine, the beans, and other ingredients with care and precision. The grind size, the temperature, the pressure, and the timing all have to be just right to create that perfect shot. If any of these elements are off, the espresso won’t taste as it should—it will either be too bitter, too weak, or just off-balance.

Similarly, we must prepare our hearts and minds to receive God's work through prayer, meditation, studying scripture, and living according to His teachings. Preparation is essential for both a perfect espresso and a fulfilling spiritual life. Just as a barista ensures every component is ready, we need to ready ourselves for God's transformative work.

In the same way, just as ice and milk might be added to a cup to prepare it for the espresso, we need to fill our lives with prayer and scripture, setting the stage for God's work to unfold. By engaging in these practices, we prepare our hearts to receive His guidance and blessings.

Every detail matters in making a great espresso. The grind size needs to be precise, the water temperature must be optimal, and the pressure has to be just right. These elements, though small, are crucial to achieving the perfect shot of espresso.

In the same way, God is involved in the intricate details of our lives. He knows and cares about even the smallest aspects, from our daily struggles to our deepest desires. Recognizing God's attention to detail can help us trust Him more fully in every part of our lives. Just as the barista trusts the process to deliver a perfect espresso, we can trust that God's meticulous care and perfect timing are working for our ultimate good.

Understanding the importance of preparation and attention to detail, we can appreciate the depth of God's involvement in our lives and cultivate a deeper trust in His process. Preparing ourselves through prayer and scripture, much like preparing the cup with care, allows us to be ready for the divine work He is doing within us.

ALL THE BEST,