My parents always had the coffee on. They enjoyed many cups of coffee a day. Mom used the old-fashioned stove-top aluminum coffee pot with a glass percolator top and a basket of grounds. Yes, the unhealthy aluminum coffee pot! The coffee was always ready to share with anyone who dropped in unexpectedly. Grandpa would stop in often knowing that there would always be a cup of comfort awaiting him. Smelling that coffee aroma and holding that steamy cup in the hand, made visitors feel welcome. There was something about sharing that coffee that just made it even more special.
If that coffee was too hot to drink right away, Grandpa would often pour some coffee onto the saucer so it would cool a little faster. Then he would drink from the saucer so that he could more quickly get some of that liquid comfort into his system. After a brief chat and enjoying that cup of coffee, my Grandpa closed the door behind him, saying what he always said in Norwegian, “Takk for kaffe.” (Thanks for coffee.) When days of hard work on the farm took a toll, my mom and step-dad also found comfort and revival in that cup.
I’d like to share a warm cup of comfort with you today by way of Paul’s words. We, also, have hard days that take a toll on us. God comforts us to help us, but also so that we can comfort others. As we walk through the difficult times in life, we can more fully appreciate the comfort he gives us. As we sink into that wonderful comfort from our heavenly Father, we can also better understand it and readily share it with others who are hurting and in need of that wonderful comfort that only he can give.
Who would you like to pour a welcoming cup of comfort for today? As you patiently share your sufferings with each other, sink into God’s comfort. Share his warm and inviting comfort. Just as that bottomless pot of coffee was made to be shared, so is God’s comfort. After you have been refreshed and are ready to move on to the next task there’s one thing you need to do as you close the door behind you. Don’t forget to say, “Takk” to the one who gave you that wonderful cup of comfort. Yes, say “Takk” to that friend with that bottomless pot of coffee, and say “Takk” to God for the comfort only he can give.
3Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. 4 He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share this same comfort with others in trouble. 5 We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. 6 We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours. 7 You never disappoint us. You suffered as much as we did, and we know that you will be comforted as we were.
2 Cor 1:3-7
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“Fantastic!” said one reader. “You made the stories come alive,” said another. “I ordered 3 as gifts. I loved this book, gotta share,” writes a reader. And a very telling “Thank you,” said yet another. Wouldn’t you like to know what God has been doing in the lives of people just like you?
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Takk!
Well Karen, I would say “You’re Welcome”, but I don’t know how to in Norwegian! Despite the fact that I grew up surrounded by Norwegians, I am not one, and don’t speak the language. 🙂 I can say it in Spanish (De nada) or Japanese (Douitashimashite). Would that work? 🙂 Thanks for the smile today!