I didn’t grow up being a coffee drinker. Not even in college. (Back then I preferred Mountain Dew for my caffeine.) In fact, I really didn’t start drinking coffee more till I was older, married, and traveling around sharing the Father’s Love message. It developed because at every conference there was coffee, and it seemed normal to be holding a cup of it as I walked around and talked to people.
I can’t say I’m a connoisseur of coffee, but in our house we tend to change the kind we use for something different every time we buy it. Maybe it’s because I like different countries, I don’t know, but I find trying beans from Guatemala, Brazil, Ethiopia, and a myriad of other places exciting. I enjoy the assortment of flavors.
So the other day when I went to get coffee and saw all the diverse bags and the copious amount of self-serve varieties available on the wall, it made me think: “Wow! There are so many different kinds of coffee — just like people!”
Every person has their own “flavor,” so to speak. Each one of us has unique physical characteristics, personalities, opinions, talents, and so forth. God made us that way. We’re distinct. If you think about everyone world-wide and realize that no two are alike…that’s so cool! I guess God is fond of an assortment of people!
His artistry in giving each one of us a different voice, a different skin color, a differentfingerprint, is amazing. Yet, Father God loves each and everyone of us the same. He even sent Jesus to reveal His heart to us and bring us back into a relationship with Him.
And the relationship He has with each person is different. Some people like to pray to Him loudly, some quietly to themselves. Some like to praise Him in a dance, others on bended knees by their beds. Some people feel His presence more out in nature, some in books, some on a busy street. But I truly believe that God loves the varied flavors of communication and connection with us.
His palate is invigorated by the extreme varieties of expressions. “I love you,” can be said while we’re standing next to others in a pew, driving in a car, or sitting in a hospital waiting room. We can shout His praises in the jungles or far up the mountains! It’s all a sweet aroma to Him.
Yes, I think Father God enjoys the different flavors of His people. And He loves us all the same — unconditionally. So no matter what flavor you may be, He loves you, my friend.