January 6, 2012
Today's Truth
Love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
Friend to Friend
My husband, Bill, loves his coffee. But along with his love of coffee, Bill also has a habit that can be very annoying - his aversion to getting the coffee mugs into the dishwasher. I find coffee cups every place imaginable: in the garage, in the car, in the truck, in the closet, on the sidewalk, on the deck and patio, in the shop, in the office, on the stairwell, in the bathroom-you name it, and I have probably found a coffee cup there. It is a good thing we are authors and speakers because we love collecting the coffee mugs from all the churches where we speak and all the TV and radio shows on which we appear -and we need every one of those mugs!
I am not a coffee drinker really. I might drink a nonfat latte, but for the most part, coffee makes my heart race, and I prefer that only Bill makes my heart skip a beat! Bill says I am naturally caffeinated by God and it takes Bill drinking three cups of coffee just to keep up with my energy. On the other hand, Bill has an internal homing device that helps him spot a Starbucks green awning!
How did I handle the mugs issue?
Appreciate the Difference: Coffee is a part of what makes Bill - well, Bill! One day, as we were preparing to move homes, I was doing that "last load of dishes" and I realized it was all coffee mugs - 47 of them to be exact! It made me smile because years ago, I decided to pray for Bill every time I saw one of his empty displaced mugs. I was seeking to apply the principle "love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8 ). I have embraced the ever-reappearing-dirty coffee mug with fond affection because it reminds me of my hard workin' man who requires caffeine to do all the wonderful acts of service that benefit so many - including me.
Celebrate the Difference: We celebratedBill's 50th birthday by having Bill select and then roast his own brand of coffee. It took one whole afternoon to visit a coffee farm, select the beans, roast them to perfection and then design the label. I knew I had a winning date as Bill sat and lingered a moment to savor the aroma of his Farrel Family blend of Mountain Thunder Vienna roast. He took a sip. I then watched a big grin appear on my husband's well-caffeinated soul.
Let's Pray
God, if anyone I love has something that is driving me crazy, please help me look for the upside, the flipside of that thing so I can see my family and friends the way You see them. Help me desire to bless them. Give me creative ways to express my love when I am irritated.
In Jesus's Name,
Amen.
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