I can remember many times growing up that I would wake up to the smell of coffee floating throughout the house. It always smelled good to me, but I hated drinking the stuff (o, how times change.) Both of my parents loved their coffee… I worked for my dad growing up. Every morning before we could leave for work, he had to have his fill of coffee, my parents would often invite friends over just for coffee after Wednesday Bible study. And of course, the worst one of all, My parents would make me and my sister wait on Christmas morning to open our presents until after they had their coffee in hand.

It wasn’t until after I left my parents house that I truly began to appreciate all that they had done for me (I’m sure I’m not alone.) I began to realize the hard work that they put in, in order to take care of our family. My father was a self-employed carpenter, who worked hard, long hours to make sure our family was provided for. I always just thought “that’s what dad’s do.” And it wasn’t a big deal. But the more I think about it, the more I believe my dad drank coffee, for reasons other than the taste.

You see, time and time again he would leave for work at 5:00 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, work a full day, drive over an hour back home, take a quick shower, and was ready to hurry out the door to make it to Wednesday night Bible study. He would eat dinner about 9:00 p.m. This was a weekly routine. You see, no matter what was going on in our lives as a family, God came first. I was never allowed to miss a single Bible class, for sporting events, movies, hanging out with friends. My parents priorities were clear. Even if that meant they had to make sacrifices in order to be pleasing unto God. I think about his work ethic, I think about his willingness to always place God above himself, and set the example that God was first in our family. No matter what. And finally, I think about his coffee…

He always had to have that coffee. He always needed to drink his quota, almost as if filling up a gas tank to get the day started. The more I think about it, the more I realize, that’s exactly what he was doing. As a young husband, and a new father I strive to make sure I am not only providing physically for my family, but making sure that I am setting them up for spiritual success as well. Sometimes it can be draining physically, emotionally, mentally… But, it is always worth it! Well dad, I have the coffee drinking down. I will work for the rest of my life to try to be the father that you were, and are to me.

2 Thes 3:10- For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

Matthew 6:33- But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. In

Him, Troy