During the brewing process of a shot of espresso, there are many steps one takes to get the final product. Once the shot is brewed, the typical move would be to immediatly pour it into a cup and combine it with milk or flavoring. How often do we take a moment to look at the beauty of a well made shot? I must say from time to time I take for granted the glory of my job and I just go through the motions. But every once in a while, I come across a shot of espresso that just looks absolutely imaculate. The dark, rich bottom and the soft foamy crema on top. Mm. Perfection. The crema plays a vital role to a simple shot of espresso. It balances the taste. Takes away a little of the sharp bitterness and really serves as "evidence" that the shot was evenly brewed. I enjoy that word. Evidence. The fruit of one's labor. Proof of a job well done.
I watched this process the other day and was reminded of a verse in Daniel. It says "He knows what is in the darkness and light dwells with him" ( Daniel 2:21). As Christians, we know what is in the darkness. We've seen or experienced it at some point in our lives. You don't come to know Jesus as savior unless we understand the very simplest of things: we need a savior. Like a good shot of espresso, there should be evidence of light in our daily lives. Our actions should resemble that of Jesus and we should continually be in prayer and surrendering the things we hold dear to Jesus. I do find it interesting however, that when left to sit too long, espresso will turn. The taste is bitter and cold. It almost tastes burnt. There is no smoothness to it. We were designed with purpose. To be used. Made for more than just sitting around. You see, when we aren't busy for long periods of time, we become stagnant. Stale. Like bread. I highly enjoy making rolls. It's one of the many highlights of my day. What you may not have expected in this post, is hearing that bread and espresso have many similiarities. What a strange turn of direction. First we're thinking of coffee and a beautifully brewed shot of espresso with it's smooth crema on top, and the next we're talking about stale bread. Bear with me here.
Just like the grinding and heating process of the espresso beans, there's a kneading process for dough. Life can be difficult at times. And then there's times we experience a grief too great for eloquent words. Whatever the case may be, we know we live in a fallen, broken world. It's dark and messy and finding the light can be downright exhausting. And then we experience the heat. What we rarely realize while in the oven is that our experience is being used to help us grow. I would say rise but it seemed a little too on the nose. Regardless. These expericences help us- when we're willing. But left unattended or un used... You don't go through the entire processes of making a loaf of bread only to watch it sit on the counter and do nothing. Christian. You were made for action. You were made to be used. You were made for a purpose. Do not hide your light. If you can relate to this stagnant nature of ours, then there's hope. I was baking the other day and was reminded, nothing is wasted. As humans, we like our routine. We like our rhythm. We wake up and we make our coffee, we shower and put on our shoes. We tend to to the same things the same ways. We're creatures of habit. I heard on the radio a couple years ago on Air1 or KLuv and they were talking about a study they did on people putting on their shoes. Majority of people, without realizing it, put on shoes the same exact way eveyday. Now the way it's done may differ person to person, but statistically speaking, we follow the same process. Someone may do Left sock, left shoe, right sock, right shoe. I myself do right sock, left sock, right shoe, left shoe. I have tried to do it other ways and everytime it just feels wrong. A small thing to notice but the point is, as humans, we fight change.
One of the best desserts and MOST POPULAR at the restaurant I work, is bread pudding. Oddly enough, this famous dish is made with, you guessed it, STALE BREAD! If you thought you were beginning to resemble that of stale bread, Oh, dear Christian you are sorley mistaken if you think you no longer have purpose. Sometimes, when we become stagnant, God changes our atmosphere. He combines us with new people, new challenges, and they are usually the sort we never thought we'd be assosiated with. But when we are flexible to God's will, it creates something incredible. Be warned however, these connections aren't always easy. There is still the wisking and baking process still yet to complete. Some personalities and some tasks don't come easy to us. Give it time and trust the process. There's a song I really enjoy these days called Trust You by 7 Hills Worship. There's a verse in there that simply says "I trust you, I don't need to know it all to know I love you". I love this. Such simple words yet truly defines what the heart of a Christian should reflect. I don't need to know everything. I just need to know I love Jesus and everything He does, is evidence of His love for me. Where is the evidence of Christ in your life? Can everyone look at your life and your character and clearly see the evidence of the light in your life like a well made shot of espresso? Do you see the crema? Or have you become more like stale bread? No matter the answer, leave with this. You have a purpose. God's not done with you yet.
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