I'll Have My Usual...

"Good Morning! What can I get for you?"
"I'll have my usual."
"And Good Morning to you Sir, what'll you have today?"
"Oh, just fix my usual."

I get so amused at some of our customers with their 'usuals'. (You know who you are!) The concept of 'my usual' IS great for us as we try to offer great service, because as we see our customers pull in to the parking lot, we automatically begin brewing their specific cup o' coffee. And with time being so valuable today, every little second saved is time spent somewhere else. Every now and then, someone pulls a fast one on me and changes up their 'usual'...not very often.

We are so creatures of habit...admit it...you are too...and so am I. We allow ourselves to fall into the abyss that we call our daily routines. I'll be the first to say that routines are usually good, and I certainly have mine, but when we allow ourselves to be controlled by the 'check off lists' of life, we're missing out on incredible opportunities to experience God on a brand new plateau. Ask yourself these questions: 1) Do I take the same road to work each day? 2) Do I eat my meals at the same time each day? The list could go on & on. You get the picture...we are so accustomed to living by our day planners that many times we allow glimpses of glory pass right by us without even a hint of acknowledgement. I can honestly say that when I have allowed myself to step away from the daily grind that life 'usually' offers, is when I have experienced God in such fresh ways that I never thought possible.

One of my absolute favorite passages of Scripture is found in Luke Chapter 12. And many times I have to drag myself back here to get of shot of reality...God's reality.

22) Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. 23) For life consists of far more than food and clothing. 24) Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25) Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! 26) And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
27) "Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28) And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! 29) And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. 30) These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. 31) He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

To put it quite simply: "Quit living your life according to the 'regular black coffee' of your day planner...and start experiencing your 'Grande White Chocolate~Caramel Latte' life that God has waiting for you."

"Father, slow me down...slow me down...slow me down. Please don't let me miss those golden nuggets of glory that You have placed on my path...amen."

Time to go...I have another customer coming in the door...

"Hey, Good Morning, what can I fix for you?"

"Oh...I think I'll just have my...wait...I think I feel like trying something different today!"...