Last week, Michaele Weissman, author of God in a Cup: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Coffee, was the
guest on NPR’s Splendid Table program.
Michaele wrote her book as a result of research on the development of
the coffee experience. She spoke about
her initial lack of coffee knowledge and the individuals she met that
enlightened her world and introduced her to the “God shot” – the perfect blend
of elements that lift coffee to a “spiritual experience.”
Michaele spoke with several coffee growers and roasters and learned
about Esmeralda, the holy grail of coffee.
This delicate floral Ethiopian coffee is highly treasured – at one time
selling for $130/pound. Interestingly,
it has a season, and as mind-blowingly amazing as it is in its time, if
harvested too early, results in disappointment.
I thought the interviewer’s final thought was quite interesting: “If
we’re patient and we wait for the season, we can experience God in a cup.”
I am currently with some friends in the midst of Beth
Moore’s study on the book of James.
James 1:12 states, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and
temptation. Afterward they will receive
the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
I don’t know about you, but I am NOT a patient person when
I’m being tested. I’m very clear about
the fact that God is not the author of my trials and that his desire is only
for my good. However, when I’m in the
midst of some kind of emotional or spiritual pain that I don’t understand, I
want God to give me answers, and I want them now. I do not “patiently endure testing and
temptation” very well.
During the second week of the study of James, I was hit
between the eyes by the following insight:
“God uses time to unwrap presents
that appear as curses . . . Temptation attempts to tear open the package before
its due date and, in so doing, disfigures what’s inside. Wait on the Lord!”
Can it be that God has something miraculous for me on the
other end of the trials I’m experiencing right now? If I force things and tear open the package
prematurely, could I miss the beauty of what’s waiting for me inside?
I long for the blessing, and I believe God is faithful. I will trust that the God shot is worth
waiting for.
Tami Cinquemani
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