Grateful: The Coffee Code

Did you really think I wouldn't talk about coffee when referencing things I'm thankful for?  Never fear, though, this is going to be short, sweet and to the point.

Yes, I love coffee.  I drink it pretty much everyday.  I like the taste, the warmth and the extra ooompf if gives me in the morning.  And afternoon.  And evening.  I've gone a few weeks at a time without drinking it.  So, yes, it's doable.  Just not preferable.

But way more than the coffee itself, I love the Coffee Code.  It's not something that suddenly started over recent months...it's always been this way.  It's just that I think I appreciate more now.  Sometimes coffee is what it is.  Hot and full of caffeine.  But often, it's code for "let's get together and talk...REALLY talk." 

Countless conversations have been had over a hot cup of coffee.  Serious ones, funny ones...all meaningful.  Sometimes at my house after the kids have been tucked in, sometimes at someone else's house when the kids are at school...or if we're really lucky, in a coffee shop with no kids as far as the eye can see.  Dare I even admit to you that the phrase "go to coffee" was actually a fleece that I laid out as I was trying to determine if there was a next step that needed to be taken in renewing a connection with a friend of mine?  Guess I just did...and in case you ever wondered how cool God is, He totally caused that exact phrase to be spoken by somebody who had never spoken it before in their life.  The rest is history.  Except for what still remains to be revealed in the future...

Coffee conversations show up in every single chapter of my story.  It would take me hours to even scratch the surface of the impact the Coffee Code has had in my life.  As wonderful as it is, the impact is obviously not about the coffee.  It's about the people God has given me.  The person that I hope I am for others.  It's about being real and open and honest.  It's about new friendships, restored friendships and deepened friendships.  It's a common denominator for a number of pretty sweet moments that have taken their rightful place in my list of blessings.

And for that I am truly grateful.