This came in my email this morning. An old college buddy of mine occasionally sends out a Thought for the Day, which I greatly appreciate. It's usually something which is directly applicable to what I'm going through. This morning's was one of those little stories which makes the rounds, but which I hadn't yet read. I hope you don't mind that I share it. It made me smile. I've searched, and it's all over the place (my apologies to those of you who've read it before), and there seems to be no trace of the author, or I'd give credit. Enjoy.
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A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor. The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life in general...
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, some quite exquisite. Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee..
When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the small gathering... "You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones.
While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems."
He continued..."Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink.
What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups...then you began eyeing each other's cups...."
"Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the Life we live. Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee that God has provided us. Enjoy your coffee!"
Until I write again ...
Flea
10 comments:
That is so true!! We all are a bit gilty of that. Wanting what others have. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am 25 miles north of the Gulf in Jeff Davis Parish. I am in the heal of the boot. I don't get over to New Orleans very often. Mardi Gras is coming up, Feb 5th!
Yay! King Cake! Speaking of, Flea, do y'all want one? They go great with coffee. :)
I'll have to pass today's post on to Brandon. I really liked it.
What a great message! I've never heard that one before. (and..."mmmm...coffee")
I was in the toe! How cool! Both hot and muggy!
Margo, I would LOVE a king cake. As long as it's not a fruit/king cake.
Hi Smitty!
I suddenly have a craving for a big cup of coffee...
Just found out that Hebert's near you sells them. Mom says so, so it's true. :P She also mentioned something about baking one. You might want to get in on that.
Oh geez. Have you seen The Daily Plate? Only if I starve myself. I went over my calories yesterday. Come join me in my deprivation!
Kellyjean, I think I'm going to go have a cup.
Great post!
My grandmother swears that beverages taste different in plastic cups. :)
I see you have Dave Ramsey TMMO in your side bar, I'm hoping to find that book at my library soon, but its never in. How are you liking it?
As books go, it's ok. I'm a book fiend, so I like books to "read well". I keep thinking I'm reading Bill Phillips' Body For Life, but for money. Very motivational. My husband is loving it.
Thanks for popping by, Jen!
So very true. I come across so many people like that. One of my neighbors (real, not blogging) is always jealous of what my family has. Ironically it's her husband whose the doctor!
That said, I'm going to make a cup of tea and pour it in my least used mug.
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