“Coffee… 
the favorite beverage 
of the civilized world.” 
Thomas Jefferson

I don’t drink coffee. Why? I dislike the taste. It’s that simple. The aroma of coffee, however, has been one of my favorite smells throughout my lifetime. It brings back vivid memories of times in the early- to mid-1960s when my paternal grandmother would stay at our home after being discharged from the hospital. She was a coffee drinker, while everyone in my family drank tea. 

With that said, I am well aware of the importance of that first cup of coffee in the morning for most people. As Thomas Jefferson pointed out, I do believe that coffee is “the favorite drink of the civilized world.” 

Throughout my professional career, coffee was provided for attendees at professional development sessions and other large gatherings of educators. Occasionally, tea would be offered as an option, but that was never guaranteed. The same was true for parent meetings at my kids’ schools. It was always coffee on the table in the back of the meeting room.

Despite the fact that I don’t drink it, I appreciate the importance of coffee in the lives of others. While some consume their coffee in a “grab n’ go” mode on their way to work, many take the time to savor that first cup of coffee, either at home, at a local coffee shop, or when they arrive at their workplace. To be honest, I experience a similar feeling when I have the opportunity to begin my day with a cup of hot chocolate. It just makes the morning special. 

So here’s an idea I’d like to propose: What if, while sipping that first cup of hot coffee each morning, you made a conscientious effort to take a moment’s pause for gratitude? With each sip of coffee, you could reflect with appreciation on the people in your life for whom you are grateful. You could recall, with gratitude, the experiences in your life which enabled you to be where you are in your life today. You could even identify the physical possessions you own, the ones you so often take for granted (your home, car, bed, clothes, computer, books,…), and take a moment to thank God for these blessings in your life. In an age in which multi-tasking is considered to be a valuable skill, this coffee/gratitude combination seems to provide an ideal opportunity to do just that.

I invite and encourage you to take a moment’s pause for gratitude with your morning coffee each day. Just as the coffee will kick-start your energy level, a focus on gratitude will enable you to experience the day with a more positive mindset, and a greater awareness of the many ways in which you have been blessed. 

Gratitude, perhaps even more so than coffee, makes a difference!