Oct 192008

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups – porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite – telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: “If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups… And then you began eyeing each other’s cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us.” God brews the coffee, not the cups………. Enjoy your coffee! 

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.”

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

~ Author unknown

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  • This is thought inspiring.
    I had to read it twice and think for a moment.

    You know as true as this piece is. . .sadly I have to admit I'll sometimes find myself still looking at the coffee cup.

    I am still trying to learn and adjust my thinking.
  • SjP
    This is a wonderful story. Never thought about it - but, it is so very true. Gotta remember the coffee and not the cup.

    I voted yesterday and was inspired to post about it here and here. Would be much obliged if you and your readers would stop by.
  • God Bless You! This is a powerful reminder for all of us.

    Sharon - You're not alone. There are too many of us that judge the book by the cover ... and too many of us concern ourselves with external things rather than looking inside.

    I invite your blog readers to imagine the pressure on Barack Obama during these final 16 days before the ballot boxes close. I share a photo and a prayer as part of my Sunday Inspirations meme entry this week.

    peace, Villager
  • sdg1844
    Tell it Miss Marva! I am working hard to simplify, simplify and simplify my life. This is a wonderful anecdote. Too often, we define ourselves by what we do for a living and that is a huge mistake.
  • If this isn't an on-time message, I don't know what is! It's apparent that we're all caught up in the cup…in regards to housing, career status, automobiles, and the list goes on.

    We need reminders like this to get back to being thankful for our blessings to include life, health, and a roof over our head.

    Thank you! Thank you!
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