*Reposted from the original coffee blog: Expedition Cafelier*
The slopes around me bathed in a nest of gold. Vibrant green fields conquered the dry brush and sprinklers shot water through the air. Individual drops seemed to prolong their fall, catching the sun's rays and spinning rainbows. The sun turned a fiery red as it continued its descent and as I nestled back into my seat, I couldn't help but mumble: "God you have created a beautiful world". I was living on the high of having the freedom to drive and travel across our country to one of the states I love most. For the first time in a long time, I was completely overwhelmed by God's power. In the miles I had traveled I felt as though I had become insignificant within my surroundings. I was lost within the void created by traveling. With every turn of the road showcasing another work of His art, I slowly turned my thoughts to him and as I watched birds swoop above my car, I was reminded of the truth in Matthew 6:25. God put the outmost care into the creation of the smallest of creatures and He didn't lack love when He created us. The breathtaking land around me was a reminder of how truly beautiful we are if He made a simple slope as lovely as this. I was not insignificant, I was not lost within this area but rather, tucked perfectly inside.
This is one of the reasons I love traveling. Every moment, every experience, brings me back to my roots and gently reminds me to refocus on what matters most. When I travel I catch myself saying a prayer in moments where I'm unsure or, praising Him through my awe. This ability to reconnect with what matters most to us, is also one of the reasons I love gas station coffee.
Coffee shops have an infectious atmosphere because they create a community; it's a place where people gather to grow together and find a moment of bliss during their day. When you travel, there is bound to be that moment where your back aches from sitting too long, the air within the car has long gone stale and expressions have glazed over. Pulling into a gas station, you are given a brief moment of rest to stretch your weary legs. Gas stations become a community of worn down travelers with dreams in their pockets. It's the place you go to recharge before continuing on your way. Every person inside has their story and a destination in mind. For many, the coffee becomes a gripping stone to keep you going in the dead of night. Gas station coffee is not about the flavor or how much creamer you have to add to mask the taste, it's about the sentiment. With that cup of coffee in your hand you embrace the moment, knowing you can continue on until the sun hovers above the hills once again. It gives you the energy to push towards your destination until you find what you've been looking for and your soul is renewed once again. Every step we take has purpose and for those who straggle into a gas station, coffee becomes an important part of that journey.
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