DEUTERONOMY 8:6–11
During the hectic holiday season in Australia, volunteers set up rest spots with free coffee on major routes.
A couple, during one trip, pulled over and went to get their coffee. After giving them the two cups, an attendant demanded payment for one cup from them. The husband asked why. She gestured at the sign with a tiny print that read, “Only the driver receives free coffee at this stop; passengers have to pay.” He told her this was deceptive advertising out of frustration, gave her the two dollars, and turned to leave. He saw his mistake when they got back to the car: he had been ungrateful for what he had received and had transformed a gift into an entitlement. She was correct.
Moses urged the Israelites to be grateful when entering the Promised Land, as they could easily treat the abundant blessings as a reward. This led to the Jews developing a practice of giving thanks for every meal, treating it as a gift.
A free cup of coffee was a gift that man did not deserve.
Let us be grateful to God for even the smallest gift.
🙏Blessed are You, Lord our God, our universe’s ruler, who creates bread from the earth.
📷: alvarez
