"LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is
altogether vanity. Selah." -Psalm 39:4-5
I love instant coffee. I know this is some kind of a "profanity" for serious coffee lovers especially here in America. I know how you all love your brewed, drip coffee. And I do love it, too. It's just that, most of the time I don't have the energy to prepare the coffeemaker in the morning just to have one cup or two. I have to wash the pot, clean the filters out, wipe, scoop and then wait for the "dripping" to end before I can have my "fix" of caffeine to help me wake up in the first place. I want it now! So, instant is the way to go for me --just boil some water (or microwave, which I won't normally recommend), scoop and stir. And then, enjoy!
I'm only talking about my morning "cup of Joe" and yet this is basically how our "modern" society has now come to ---the instantaneous, instant gratification, hurry up, quick, right now attitude. We prefer everything fast, faster and fastest without sacrificing the quality. I'm not too sure about how the latter part can be maintained but instant is good. When we go the the grocery we find instant noodles, instant rice, instant canned goods, instant bread dough -no rise, no bake, no waiting! We have instant cash from the ATMs, instant shampoo -no water, no rinsing required. We have instant entertainment with just one click anywhere and there's even instant hand wash -all those hand sanitizers! Wow. Isn't it amazing how many instant products are out there now?
I haven't been to Japan yet but I've heard and seen some pretty interesting products they manufacture over there. They have out-of-this-world things that were supposedly invented to help make our lives so much easier. Those who are in Tokyo, Osaka or Yokohama for example, live an ultra fast-paced lives that they can't afford to be left behind or be left-out by waiting for the "coffeemaker to finish brewing." They keep up with the high-tech lifestyle in those progressive cities. Some of the products I've personally seen are: a one-push can opener -no more turning knobs; an instant indoor bonsai garden -just add water; and there's a microwave snack chips-maker -oil free and healthy (supposedly) that comes with various flavoring. I'd like to apologize in advance for even mentioning this on here but it's just too unique and amusing to omit -the Japanese people has also come up with a toilet seat that sprays water, cleans, and blasts warm air (like a hand dryer) so there's no more need for any tissue paper in the restroom! Talk about progress?
We love everything instant whether we admit it or not. We get so annoyed and impatient when things don't go instantly the way we planned it. Let's take a look at an ordinary, routine day for an average person. And let's pretend that person is me. I wake up in the morning and shoot!--my alarm clock didn't work the instant I wanted it to. Now I'll be late for work! I go for a quick shower expecting for the hot water to run instantly the moment I get under the shower head. And I'm thinking to myself, I've no more time for coffee -brewed or instant- so I got to get out of the door now! So I run to the train station, hoping the train would be there the instant I arrive. I spend the next 40-45 minutes commuting and thinking if there is a much faster way to go to work? And actually, there is. Again, the very first one was in Japan. It has only been superseded by China recently. It's the fastest bullet train in the world, soon to open in Shanghai, China by 2012. It runs at its top speed of 220 mph. Oh well, we don't have that one in Chicago.
Then I'm at the office, late. I turn on my computer expecting it to boot instantly, as usual. But not today. Oh boy, I need to call IT support. It's going to be long day indeed. I foresee half of the day spent sitting around doing a little bit of work since I can't really do much since my PC is down. I decided to get my coffee instead (instant) and zap some popcorn for breakfast. (I know some friends who actually do this by the way.) Then when I'm done "wasting" my morning waiting for the not-so-instant tech support, I plan for lunch. Maybe a can of soup that I can zap in the microwave and maybe an "instant" sandwich from the vendo? Yum.
Ok, stop. I think you get my point. We live in a society where fast, quick and instant are preferred. It may be a hard decision to make especially when there comes a time when we feel like we are being swept away by the wave of such a lifestyle, but I personally would like to think that I will still choose to stop and slow down. I won't allow myself and my family to be gorged up in such speed and haste. I'd like to believe that I'd still appreciate the flowers around me (not the plastic ones nor the electronic photos on my PC), and I'd still like to "brew" a cup of coffee regardless of the waiting. Life is too short to hasten it up. I only have 24 hours everyday, too precious to cut short by trying to cram-in a million tasks that are really inessential. I wish to live every second, of every minute, of every hour in everyday, loving what I do and spending most of it with the ones I love. And more importantly, it is my prayer that God will always give me His grace to remember that I live my life here on earth on a "borrowed" time and that I must live it to the fullest with Him, for Him, and by Him alone. That my focus must always be on what lies ahead, beyond of what's on this instant.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -Philippians 4:8
I love instant coffee. I know this is some kind of a "profanity" for serious coffee lovers especially here in America. I know how you all love your brewed, drip coffee. And I do love it, too. It's just that, most of the time I don't have the energy to prepare the coffeemaker in the morning just to have one cup or two. I have to wash the pot, clean the filters out, wipe, scoop and then wait for the "dripping" to end before I can have my "fix" of caffeine to help me wake up in the first place. I want it now! So, instant is the way to go for me --just boil some water (or microwave, which I won't normally recommend), scoop and stir. And then, enjoy!
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| Blend 45 3-in-1 Instant Coffee |
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| Nescafe Instant Coffee |
I'm only talking about my morning "cup of Joe" and yet this is basically how our "modern" society has now come to ---the instantaneous, instant gratification, hurry up, quick, right now attitude. We prefer everything fast, faster and fastest without sacrificing the quality. I'm not too sure about how the latter part can be maintained but instant is good. When we go the the grocery we find instant noodles, instant rice, instant canned goods, instant bread dough -no rise, no bake, no waiting! We have instant cash from the ATMs, instant shampoo -no water, no rinsing required. We have instant entertainment with just one click anywhere and there's even instant hand wash -all those hand sanitizers! Wow. Isn't it amazing how many instant products are out there now?
I haven't been to Japan yet but I've heard and seen some pretty interesting products they manufacture over there. They have out-of-this-world things that were supposedly invented to help make our lives so much easier. Those who are in Tokyo, Osaka or Yokohama for example, live an ultra fast-paced lives that they can't afford to be left behind or be left-out by waiting for the "coffeemaker to finish brewing." They keep up with the high-tech lifestyle in those progressive cities. Some of the products I've personally seen are: a one-push can opener -no more turning knobs; an instant indoor bonsai garden -just add water; and there's a microwave snack chips-maker -oil free and healthy (supposedly) that comes with various flavoring. I'd like to apologize in advance for even mentioning this on here but it's just too unique and amusing to omit -the Japanese people has also come up with a toilet seat that sprays water, cleans, and blasts warm air (like a hand dryer) so there's no more need for any tissue paper in the restroom! Talk about progress?
We love everything instant whether we admit it or not. We get so annoyed and impatient when things don't go instantly the way we planned it. Let's take a look at an ordinary, routine day for an average person. And let's pretend that person is me. I wake up in the morning and shoot!--my alarm clock didn't work the instant I wanted it to. Now I'll be late for work! I go for a quick shower expecting for the hot water to run instantly the moment I get under the shower head. And I'm thinking to myself, I've no more time for coffee -brewed or instant- so I got to get out of the door now! So I run to the train station, hoping the train would be there the instant I arrive. I spend the next 40-45 minutes commuting and thinking if there is a much faster way to go to work? And actually, there is. Again, the very first one was in Japan. It has only been superseded by China recently. It's the fastest bullet train in the world, soon to open in Shanghai, China by 2012. It runs at its top speed of 220 mph. Oh well, we don't have that one in Chicago.
Then I'm at the office, late. I turn on my computer expecting it to boot instantly, as usual. But not today. Oh boy, I need to call IT support. It's going to be long day indeed. I foresee half of the day spent sitting around doing a little bit of work since I can't really do much since my PC is down. I decided to get my coffee instead (instant) and zap some popcorn for breakfast. (I know some friends who actually do this by the way.) Then when I'm done "wasting" my morning waiting for the not-so-instant tech support, I plan for lunch. Maybe a can of soup that I can zap in the microwave and maybe an "instant" sandwich from the vendo? Yum.
Ok, stop. I think you get my point. We live in a society where fast, quick and instant are preferred. It may be a hard decision to make especially when there comes a time when we feel like we are being swept away by the wave of such a lifestyle, but I personally would like to think that I will still choose to stop and slow down. I won't allow myself and my family to be gorged up in such speed and haste. I'd like to believe that I'd still appreciate the flowers around me (not the plastic ones nor the electronic photos on my PC), and I'd still like to "brew" a cup of coffee regardless of the waiting. Life is too short to hasten it up. I only have 24 hours everyday, too precious to cut short by trying to cram-in a million tasks that are really inessential. I wish to live every second, of every minute, of every hour in everyday, loving what I do and spending most of it with the ones I love. And more importantly, it is my prayer that God will always give me His grace to remember that I live my life here on earth on a "borrowed" time and that I must live it to the fullest with Him, for Him, and by Him alone. That my focus must always be on what lies ahead, beyond of what's on this instant.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -Philippians 4:8
We can only live in the moment; the past is gone, and the future never arrives! With this in mind, we can try to do everything at once, and then think that we are living a fulfilling life, or we can slow down a little, and take each moment as it comes.
ReplyDeleteFor people in cities full of people, we are used to a fast-paced lifestyle, where people want things ten minutes ago! For people in rural places and small villages, the essence is on possibly preserving a slower pace of life. I think sometimes we need to experience a fast-paced life, and then sometimes we need to experience a slower-paced form of life; we can certainly learn from other people in this respect. What does God want for us? Constantly busy, or reticently idle? Perhaps a bit of both? Maybe the middle ground is the answer? We do need time just to exist, where we can appreciate all the good things God has granted us without worrying about deadlines and rushing hither and thither, from here to there, with no end in sight! So, finally, I think we need balance and discernment and a prayer on this matter might not go amiss either. As ever, Jesus has the answers!
If anyone wants to, they can check out my blog at:http://tchildschristianityblog.blogspot.com/
Don't be fooled by my pen name...I actually drink instant coffee myself hehehe. The only instant I really, really like is one I've heard or read somewhere, also in Japan...a self-cleaning house! :-) Otherwise, I like to take things in my own pacing. In fact, I don't like being rushed, except of course for work deadlines. Have no choice when the boss orders things.
ReplyDeleteI try to keep a balance of things...yes, to stop and smell the flowers from time to time. Even just pausing for a while to appreciate the sun rising on the horizon. It's good for the soul :-)
The best thing I ever learned is the art of breathing, and it is an art. Too often we get caught up in go, go, go, go, go. We're literally too busy to breathe. So now when things get crazy or I find myself rushing to yet another "should have been there ten minutes ago" thing, I stop, take a long breath, and remember that God's got the next thing already handled.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Tim & BC. You're both much appreciated, as always.
ReplyDeleteTim, I've personally experienced both the slow-paced & the fast-paced kinds of lifestyles. I thank God that my family & I have always managed to adapt to both with no problems. But at the end of the day, I'd still prefer the slow-paced, "country-side" kind of life with no pressures or stress. That's just me. =)
BC, I didn't even think of your pen name when I was writing this! Oh my, you're right! You are brewed coffee! lol But I'm glad to know that you still appreciated the instant kind. God bless...
Staci, thanks for visiting my blog & for reading. It's an honor. And what a blessing to know that there's also someone out there who wants to master the art of breathing. To really breathe! AMEN that our God has already handled even future events we still have to face. Glory to Him!
ReplyDeleteWell, Mara. I finally have to disagree with you, because no way can I stomach instant coffee. Sorry, my friend. But then again, I don't have to make the coffee in my house, my husband makes it long before I get up. Your post reminds me that we even want to get something from God quickly when we read His Word, and that is why we often don't have time for it. When we do not instantly understand and we actually have to dig a little, we feel put out. Thank you for reminding us to slow down.
ReplyDeleteStephanie don't worry, I do understand.=) I know some who can't take instant coffee as well. Maybe it's a cultural thing also? That's the only coffee we drink in the Philippines most of time!
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right. God's Word always remind us to slow down -that's there's always a season for everything. We can see from nature & from all creation that nothing can be rushed -we have to wait until a baby is born, we have to wait until we can grow & mature, for farmers to wait before harvest & wait for His glory to be revealed in due time. Glory to God!