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A decent flat white

 

If you read my blogs regularly, you may have gathered that I really love a good flat white. Now I say ‘good’ because I have come across a couple of baristas who cannot make a flat white. The milk should be a little thickened, and enough froth on top to last until the bottom of the cup. I had a discussion with a young lass who could not make a decent flat white. It was literally flat – no froth after the first few sips, thin, horrible and veerrrry flat. She was in her early twenties and been a barista for maybe a few months. She assured me she knew what a flat white was and it wasn’t a latte then stalked off. Considering her age and experience, I was very tempted to let her know that I have consumed a good old flat white regularly for the last twenty-five years in cafes all around the country. I did understand what a flat white should look and taste like. However, she was not prepared to listen or learn. Fortunately, I have a favourite café where the staff not only make a fabulous flat white, but they are friendly, courteous and all round wonderful. It’s lovely to have a local where the staff know you and remember your regular order.

Life without God is like a bad cup of coffee; flat, tasteless, no strength. We think that we know what is best for our life and are determined to do things our way. God speaks in a quiet whisper through His Holy Spirit, but we are not prepared to listen. We think we are doing simply fine thank you very much, and we do not need someone telling us our life could or should be better, richer, more enjoyable.

Our God is good! He made us and he loves us passionately and abundantly. He loves us so much that he actively pursues us. He is always with us, no matter what. He came to give us abundant life – this does not mean he is going to bless us with rich material possessions, status, or power, or that we will never face difficulties. However, we will have purpose and joy. He promises us that he will never leave us or forsake us. He promises us that he will be with us whatever our season in life is like no matter how messy, or hard, it gets. I love that he also promises that no matter what we go through, he can use it to grow us and fulfil his purpose in our lives.

 

These verses in Psalms 139:8-10 are favourites:

‘If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.’ (NIV)

 

More than that, we are promised eternal life when we believe in what Jesus did for us on the cross. When we commit to follow Jesus, life is never the same. With God, life is rich, full of flavour and frothy to the bottom.


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