Cuppa anyone?

I spent the summer of 2000 in Australia as a summer missionary. It was a beautiful place and a wonderful learning experience. One of the biggest lessons I learned had to do with coffee. I had always enjoyed coffee before I went, but after Australia it had a whole new meaning. While I was there, we had a "cuppa" just about everywhere we went. What is a "cuppa"? Well, it is a cup of coffee or tea. Like I said anywhere we went we always had a cuppa. But the neat thing about a cuppa was what came with it - a conversation with someone. Most of the time it meant we slowed down and enjoyed time just talking with someone over a cup of coffee. It taught me that God's purpose for our lives is all about relationships, with Him and others. Being on the go all the time and stressed out leaves no time for people and relationships. And what's more important to God than people? So since then I have always enjoyed having a "cuppa" whether that meant just talking with a friend or spending time with God alone. To me a "cuppa" means slowing down talking, listening, laughing, encouraging, growing, relaxing, just building relationships with others. I come away so refreshed from these simple breaks in my days. This past Saturday Brad and I had a "cuppa" date at Starbucks. It was very nice. So slow down and enjoy life - have a "cuppa" with someone today!