My "extra grace required" coffee maker...

My hubby got me this amazing coffee machine for Christmas. It grinds the beans for you, then brews the coffee.. and I have to say that this machine makes the best coffee I have ever tasted. Anywhere. Nothing beats freshly ground coffee early in the morning.

So, this machine makes great coffee.. and it looks cool, it's stainless steel and black.. I really love using it. And this morning, at 7 AM, I went to the kitchen , looked at it, and decided it is a pain in my neck sometimes.

Here is the thing about this coffee maker.. first off, it is LOUD. It will wake your children, the neighbors, the dead, all in the same shot. It also has a ZILLION parts that have to be taken out, cleaned, and put back together "just SO", and if you miss something, forget a top or a lid somewhere, or maybe you are half asleep when you are trying to figure the whole thing out- coffee explodes everywhere. Ground up coffee beans end up on the ceiling, it makes funny noises, it's MESSY. My children are afraid of the coffee machine. Some mornings I just can't bear the hassle of taking it apart, making sure it is clean, making sure the 173 parts are all fitting in there just right.. some mornings, I miss my old coffee maker because.. it is easier to use. Very little grace required.. only 3 steps, and I get "pretty good" coffee.

On one particular morning, I forgot to put a filter in the filter basket. I turned my back to the fridge to get milk for my daughter, and I heard " MOMMY!! THE COFFEE IS RUNNING OUT EVERYWHERE!!"... I sigh, turn around, and quietly shut the thing off ( again) , survey the damage, and then I hear the "still quiet Voice."

"You know..." ( and I sort of know it's lesson time) " You are kind of like that coffee machine at times, Cheryl."

In Philippians 2, Paul gives us an opportunity for some introspection, and reminds us that we are to strive to have the attitude of Christ. To my knowledge, Jesus was never "Extra Grace Required." He WAS Grace. As I read through these passages, it hits me that at times, just like my "wonderful" coffee pot, I can be too much of a pain in the neck to use ( for God, I mean.) It isn't that He doesn't WANT to use me,and it isn't that He isn't able to use me even in my disobedience.. but I think at times I make it too hard. I might , by choice, make myself "unavailable" to God, and maybe He really just wants it done NOW, not when "I" get ready, or all the stars are aligned, and maybe He will just go use a pot that is easier to pour from. Ouch. Time to take inventory, and maybe some personal responsibilty while I am waiting on the coffee....


Lord, help me remember that I need to be available for Your use at all times. My heart's desire is that my flesh never get in the way of You doing Your thing with me, but sometimes I know I make it "too hard." Please forgive me for that, Lord.

Help me to remember always that Your grace is ENOUGH. Help me reflect that to others... and help me remember that if I choose to make myself "extra grace required", or make it too hard - You will use someone else because there is much work to be done!

In Christ's precious and Holy Name I pray,
Amen.