When I Saw God In My Coffee

As I’ve been going through therapy the past few months, my desire for God has deepened a thousand fold. I find myself yearning to be with Him, hear from Him, see Him.

In the throws of facing dark memories from my past, in my deepest moments of despair, I met God on such an intimate level, it was as though I caught a glimpse of His glory. My running each day has been my time of worship. I get giddy thinking about meeting with Him. In the evenings, my Bible seems to wait anxiously for me, and I eagerly open it, wondering how He will speak to me. As I close my eyes and my head falls on my pillow, I am actually captivated as I wait to encounter Him.

Today, our family went to Lake Tahoe to enjoy some time together. The photos paint a picture of what a beautiful day it was:

But what the pictures don’t show is the preparation to get out the door by 7:00 am. 

I was up and at ’em at 5:30 this morning, ready to unload the dishwasher, brew my coffee, make lunches, fill up the cooler, pack the car, and feed five kids and a husband who is still recovering from surgery. Normally, he would do most of the heavy lifting and packing the van, but since he is still not allowed to lift anything over five pounds, it was up to the kids and me. 

By 6:05, all five of our kids were awake, and the whirlwind began. They all needed to do their chores before we left, and within about five minutes, the bickering began. I had patience for the first few minutes, but after a spurt of angry words from one child to another, as well as some tears, I had to intercede. I pretty much laid into the kid who was spewing meanness at his sister. 

It wasn’t pretty, friends. I was so dang upset that these kids weren’t helping my stressful situation. Didn’t they realize the pressure a mother is under when trying to get out the door with five full bellies by 7 am??

But then, something stirred inside of me. 

Somewhere deep in my soul, there was a pause. I knew I needed to step outside. 

I went out our back door and stood there for a moment, looking up at the sky. 

Lord, I know you’re here. Help me to see you. 

That was it. I took a few more moments to just hear the silence outside before I reentered the tornado of chaos that was whirring in the house.

I opened the door, walked into the kitchen, and saw my coffee. 

I’m right there. 

I kind of sneered inside. Ha! Yes, Lord, that’s you. In my coffee. 

It’s not the coffee, Shanti. It’s the way you experience it. You hold it in your hands, embracing it, soaking in the moments with it. I find great pleasure in watching you with your coffee. That peace, that contentment, that’s me. 

Suddenly, it was as though a shroud was lifted and I knew exactly what He meant. 

Yes, Lord! You are here. Right here, in my coffee!

I quickly walked across the kitchen, picked up my mug, held it in my hands, embraced the warmth and closed my eyes. All the hustle and bustle around me faded for a moment, and it was just Him and me. Together. In the kitchen. Sharing coffee. 

God was in my coffee.

So often we miss God in the little things, especially when the hurry of life, whining kids, arguing, exhaustion, parenting, carpooling, and all our other responsibilities swoop in and distract us from what is really important. Satan finds no greater joy than hurrying us about so much that we are too distracted to see God. Sometimes we need to practice the discipline of silence for just a moment, and ask God to show Himself, to help us see Him.

Today, God was in my coffee. Tomorrow, He may be in a bird or a family meal or my garden. He may show up while driving to the grocery store in a song on the radio or in the produce section. He is likely to show up wherever we seek Him. 

Where has God shown up for you?