Coffee, Chocolate and Other Cravings

Coffee... legal addictive stimulant or just yummy comfort? Going with the latter. There's just something about starting your day with your personalized "Cup o' Joe"-Starbucks, apparently was on to something. This morning ritual of mine, didn't really start until my kids were in school. Coffee used to just be a treat or something to warm me up on an evening out. Then that moment came when I needed that warm mug between my hands and to have that first sip of "okay here we go". I have no issues with the paper cup (and I know my choice is a bit risky), but my favorite place to enjoy my moment in a mug is in the car, on the way to school. "Serenity now..." Then the fighting over who sits where and who saw which "slug bug" begins. But I have my coffee-Praise the Lord-so it's all good! This all came to mind because of two events. First, my boys made my instant "liquid gold" the other day for me... Surreal blessing! Second, we were OUT of coffee today... makes my head hurt. My universe wasn't altered, so I know I am not dependent on the stuff, but it got me thinking... about other cravings. For some reason what came to mind was my response when people used to ask me about my kids "Binkies" (especially Braden because he always looked older than he was-Olivia too now that I think about it) You know, the question that makes you feel like a bad mother because you allow your child who's walking to suck on a piece of rubber. I used to say while shrugging, "Well, don't we all have our comfort items. I mean really, I have chocolate. So he or she has a "Binky". I'm okay with that. If they still have it when they start school... we'll talk." Laughter was the typical response along with a nod indicating "point taken". I do love to bring humor into what could be sticky situations. Maybe that's why I love my coffee ritual. It brings a smile to my face and sweet comfort to my soul in the midst of what I commonly refer to as "Groundhog Day Mornings"! The Lord says everything in moderation... I think daily coffee qualifies... it's my grown-up, invisible "Binky"!