Coffee, Anyone?

I have a confession to make:

I'm a coffee freak!

Few things make me more content than the feel of a coffee mug in my hands. The warmth of the liquid seeps into me, easing whatever tensions may be assaulting me. I lift the steaming mug and let the fragrance of that wondrous elixir enfold me with the sure sense of home, family, and friendships shared.(Yes, I inhale. Especially when a bag or can of coffee is first opened. Ah, heaven!)

So in the hopes that some of you, too, share this predilection, I must tell you of a wondrous tool I've discovered. It isn't new, not by a long shot. But in this world of drive-up coffee windows (which I'm not knocking, trust me!), it's growing ever more rare. And that's sad. What, you ask, is this enthralling device?

The French coffee press.

Oh, friends! I have found few devices that so honor the total coffee experience. Elegant in design, magical in effect, the French coffee press is a delight. Yes, they take more time than brewing a pot of coffee. But those few minutes are SO worth it. Not just for the drink, but for the momentary pause in a hectic day, the chance to sit and savor.

A French Press is so simple to use--just put the coffee grounds in the bottom, pour in hot water, then wait 3 minutes. Then comes the fun: Press. Not too hard, not too slow, just enough to milk every drop of liquid from the saturated grounds. Pour the black gold into your cup, doctor as you see fit (Torani chocolate and fat-free 1/2 & 1/2 for me!), and voila!

Heaven.

I've taken to carrying mine with me when I travel, because as hard as travel is, as unappealing as it may be to spend day after day in hotels, the knowledge that my mornings will boast the robust fragrance surrendered by those grounds as the hot water devours them, by the rich flavor of the fruits of their labors...oh yeaaaaah. And then there's decaf for late in the evening, as I'm finally unwinding, trying to convince my body it's time to sleep...

If you haven't tried one, do it. If you have and gave up in favor of the more expedient, go back! You've got enough in your life that pushes and stresses and adds pressure upon pressure. Give yourself this time, these few moments of bliss, to rest, recharge, regroup. Scripture is clear that Jesus knew the necessity of resting. He went away by himself often to rest. He said to his disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." He knew. You can't keep pushing.

So give yourselves a break. Even if it's just a few quiet moments each day. And, if you're so inclined, give the coffee press a chance to make those moments rich, robust, and full of flavor.

Peace.

Karen