Do not judge a book by its cover

This week, we went for a walk on the most beautiful beach in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. On the way, we saw some nude people on the sand, in the water, resting and fishing, and we started a discussion about it. Surprisingly, most of these people were mature, even old , so some of us said they were disappointed about not seeing beautiful bodies with “six packs” and great looking tits.

I have to say this was the first time I had been to a nudist beach and I mainly liked the discussion that followed.

Beauty within

Some of us were disappointed not to be able to enjoy some gorgeous model sun bathing. Others thought it was disgusting to watch old people with hanging skin, belly and, well, everything else. Later on in our conversation, one of the grownups asked, “How can these people look at themselves in the mirror?”

I thought it was amazing to see ahead what we were going to look like in 20, 30 or 40 years. No, I do not think I will be disappointed (maybe I should say I hope not). I am sure I will be able to see in the mirror a lot more than the cover, because every new wrinkle also comes with a new experience and with new wisdom.

Many years from now, when I look at myself in the mirror, I am hoping to see a wise and kind person.

God’s coffee

A group of university alumni came to visit their beloved professor at home. Each of them told the professor about their life and soon the discussion turned to talks about hard work, pressure, stress and difficulties.

The professor went to the kitchen and brought coffee for everyone, along with many different cups. He brought china, plastic, glass and crystal cups. Some looked expensive and others looked simple. The professor asked the students to pour themselves some coffee.

When they had all finished, there were still some cups left on the tray, all looking simply or old.

When the students sat with their cups of coffee, the professor said:

“Have you noticed you did not use the simple and inexpensive cups? I believe this is the source of your pressure and troubles. You can be sure that the quality of the coffee does not change by the cup. You wanted coffee and all got the same coffee, but you looked for the best-looking cups and compared your cup to your friends’.

Life is just like a coffee: your job, money and status are all cups. They are all containers to hold life and the kind of cup we use does not change the quality of our life.

Sometimes, we focus on the cup so much we forget to enjoy the coffee that God has given us.

God makes coffee, not cups.

Enjoy your coffee!”

Those old people I saw on the beach could not be models for skin products or gym memberships, but I could easily see they were enjoying every minute of their “coffee”.