I have discovered that having daily rituals is very enjoyable – ones that include either tea or coffee are even more so.

I’m not picky about my coffee (just no grounds, please!), nor am I picky about my tea (as long as there’s no odd aftertaste!). There’s just something about having a warm drink in one’s hands that makes it feel as though the cares of the world fade away for a little while.

My favourite ritual involving coffee is a morning one that also includes Scripture reading. Delving into God’s Word while intermittently savouring the smell and taste of that hot beverage helps take me away from focusing on myself and halts the ‘to-do list’ mentality I’m so good at having.

Another ritual is a hot mug of tea and a good book. Allowing time to just sit and read about imaginary characters and their various worlds and struggles, accompanied by that steaming drink, is another reset for the week or day.

Finally, I love inviting people over in order to get to know them better. In this instance the coffee or tea is joined with some type of food – typically cookies or a type of sweet bread. Talking and spending time in each other’s presence with a hot drink creates a camaraderie that is not easily forgotten.

I know some people are averse to these two drinks and prefer water, soda, lemonade, etc., but I suppose the point I’m wanting to make is not necessarily about the drinks, but more about the rituals surrounding them. Making time to engage with friends, visit new worlds, and spend time with Jesus are rituals I have found reviving and settling. They remind me of the importance of people, imagination, and my Saviour – adding the hot drink is just a bonus.