Apropos to...something...life, maybe?

[deltamiss]

I received this in an email from a friend. I think it says just about everything.

A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor. The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life in general.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, some quite exquisite.

Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee.

When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the small gathering.

"You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones. While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems."

He continued, "Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups... Then you began eyeing each other's cups.

"Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the Life we live. Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee that God has provided us. God brews the coffee, but he does not supply the cups. Enjoy your coffee!"

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have. So please remember: Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

And remember - the richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

Sometimes, and not because anyone makes me feel this way, but sometimes I'm a little embarrassed to post pictures of my apartment because it IS old and run down and needs a lot of work that I can't afford right now. But, then I look at the pots where the grands and I planted all those herbs and flowers and remember the joy we found in them every day...or the house that Melanie and Jeff have made into a home...or the animals that own us...or the business that Melanie has built from nothing...or my chime tree...or the notes from Peyton and Mabry on the decrepit refrigerator (that needs defrosting again), and I remember how I got where I am, who I am and how happy I am to be me right now.

My 'coffee cup' literally 'runneth' over!

Comments

[mummm.livejournal.com]

Those are lovely thoughts! :-)

[deltamiss.livejournal.com]

I just need to remember them. ;)

[noni3.livejournal.com]

I absolutely love it and will "steal" this to put on my other blogs as well as send out to someone I know who is a Professor.
I know exactly how you feel. We don't have a fancy house, drive a 15 year old car, aren't even having a Christmas this year due to low funds and yet I know I am blessed with good friends, loving pets and a great life. I've learned that when my attitude is right, everything I have is the "best"... whether that be plenty or not.
Thanks for sharing *hugs*

[deltamiss.livejournal.com]

Help yourself!

I've learned that when my attitude is right, everything I have is the "best"

So TRUE!

[wordsbyallie.livejournal.com]

So many great thoughts in that post! I especially love the part that says, "The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least."

That is so true!

Thanks for sharing this.

(((Big Hugs)))

[deltamiss.livejournal.com]

We take so much for granted in this country. It's a shame we think we have to have so much to be happy.

(((HUGS)))

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this, Lonnye Sue. I need to remember that OFTEN.

[deltamiss.livejournal.com]

So do I, Donna! I wonder sometimes how much really IS enough!

(((HUGS)))

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

When you've posted photos, I've loved your home. Rhinestones, Audubon prints, and books--what more could a person want?

Stuff is just stuff. Love, sharing, and kindness bring beauty to the simplest home.

Good post.

[deltamiss.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to remember that I really don't like the frosting on a cake...I like what's inside much better. ;)

[fitfool.livejournal.com]

well that depends on the cake and the icing doesn't it? :)

[deltamiss.livejournal.com]

Would you believe I never eat the frosting on a cake? I might take a bite just to taste it, but invariably I leave the rest on the plate. I know...I'm weird. ;)

[fitfool.livejournal.com]

*blink* oh.

well, your arteries probably thank your tastebuds on that one.

[fitfool.livejournal.com]

Cheers to celebrating a life rich with love!

[deltamiss.livejournal.com]

Here! Here!

[jazzyglo.livejournal.com]

This is really good, and something I need to read often. Thanks for sharing.

[deltamiss.livejournal.com]

Me, too, Gloria. I'll have to revisit this post regularly. :D