Life is a Cup of Coffee

While exploring the internet for inspiring tales, I stumbled upon this remarkable story by an unknown author. Its profound message resonated deeply with me, prompting me to share it during our monthly general assembly. For those who missed it, I hope this blog post will inspire you as much as it did me.

Life is Like a Cup of Coffee

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 have been 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. Savour the coffee, not the cups! 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.

As I reflect on my life, I’m grateful for the blessings I’ve been given: a loving family, a good job, and a life well-lived. Yet, a strange contradiction often arises. Despite my contentment, I sometimes find myself envying others’ successes or possessions. Questions like, “Why don’t I have that?” or “What more could I be doing?” creep into my thoughts, leading to feelings of doubt and dissatisfaction. It’s as if there’s an insatiable desire for something more, something better, something that will bring ultimate happiness and fulfilment to my life.

Many people are still navigating life's uncertainties. Some may be single and searching for a partner, others may be torn between career paths, and many more are simply seeking a better future. It's common to yearn for a life that's easier, happier, and more fulfilling, often leading to the pursuit of bigger and better opportunities.

Reading this story has given me a valuable insight: true happiness doesn't come from material possessions or constant striving. It's about finding joy in the present moment and appreciating what we already have. While it's important to set goals and work towards our dreams, excessive focus on the future can often lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Let's not forget to cherish our relationships, savour life's simple pleasures, and live each day to the fullest.

I'm grateful for this reminder to prioritize what truly matters. Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes to the beauty of simplicity. I'm committed to living a life filled with love, gratitude, and contentment. May I always find joy in the little things, from sharing moments with loved ones to enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Thank you for this renewed perspective, Lord. I believe my life will be infinitely better for it.

Matthew 6:19-21

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.