A group of highly successful alumni got together to visit their old university professor.
The conversation among them soon turned into comments and complaints about the stress of their jobs and their unfulfilled lives.
********
The professor went to his kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups. Some of them were porcelain, others plastic, glass, and even fine china. Some of the cups were plain-looking, some very unique, expensive, and even exquisite.
The professor told them to help themselves to the coffee.
After all the former students had a cup of coffee in their hands, the professor said to them, “ Did you notice that all of the very nice looking coffee cups are taken and only the plain, inexpensive ones remain? It is normal for everyone to want the best for themselves. Yet, in the long run, that may be a source of the problems and stresses in your lives.”
He continued, “The cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In this instance, some of the cups are just more expensive looking. Each one of the cups conceals what is being drunk.”
“What all of you really wanted was a good, hot cup of coffee—not the cup. Yet, all of you consciously chose one of the nicest and most expensive looking cups for your coffee; and, then you began eyeing one another’s cups.”
“Let’s consider that life is the coffee and your jobs, houses, cars, things, money and occupational position are the cups. The type of cup we have does not define or change the quality of our lives.”
Moral: Sometimes we fail to enjoy life (the coffee) by concentrating only on the cup (external things) that we have. Being happy and fulfilled doesn’t mean everything around you must be perfect. Being happy is decided by being able to see beyond any of life’s imperfections and find peace and fulfillment. This peace ultimately lies within you, not in your career, jobs, or the houses and things you have.
- Anonymous
********
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 ESV
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
*******************************************
If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:
If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
*******************************************