The coffeepot was hot. The fire burned low, but there was a good bed of coals. He lifted the lid on the stove and added a few sticks from the woodbox. Then he took a cup, filled it with coffee, and went to the table.”
–Louis L’Amour (Borden Chantry)
Is the weather suitin’ yuh now? Well, no matter the weather, come on in an’ we’ll have some coffee together. Pard, we’ve gone from a long, hot, dry summer to a really cold spell, then to a week of rain, where it’s now finally settlin’ down to some wonderful weather. But don’t be countin’ on the weatherman. I used to say that was the only job where people were paid to lie, but I’ve added a few more to the list. Listen, don’t even be a-believin’ ol’ Punxsatawny Phil. The furry booger has been know to lie.
But whatever the weather, the pot’s on the stove, an’ if’n yur real nice, I’ll brew up some fresh an’ not give yuh the mornin’ leftovers. Good coffee this mornin’! Pard, I got up this mornin’, made the coffee, then sat myself down in my readin’ chair to watch gray light begin to appear. I was a-sittin’ and a-contemplatin’ when I thought I heard horses movin’ into that heavenly corral. Yuh think it could’ve been the foreman, Michael, telling Gabriel and the other angel hands to go gather up the herd? So I contemplated that waitin’ for the sun to rise up through the trees.
Then I started to ponder on the goodness of the Lord. My, yuh sure don’t have to look far to see His goodness. Take a deep swaller, an’ then tell me of God’s goodness. He made the bean to grow on a bush, gave someone the work to pick them. Somewhere’s down the line they were roasted just for you and me, then I finally brewed it up this mornin’. God is good an’ that’s just a simple example. Why, I looked in the mirror shavin’ yesterday and saw the lines of age etched on my face. Some folk never get to be this old, so the Lord is good. An’ those lines, well, Pard, that’s just experience showin’ through. Yep, sure beholdin’ to the Lord for all His goodness to me all through the years. Sorry, Pard, didn’t mean to go gettin’ sentimental on yuh.
Pot’s empty, that means it’s time for yuh to be moseyin’ on down the road. The Lord willin’ the coffee’ll be on for yuh next Saturday. Yuh be havin’ a good week…say, see that’s another example of the goodness of God. If’n we have a day in front of us it’s due to His goodness, an’ Pard, beyond that His mercies are new every mornin’. Yuh stay safe, keep yur gun ready and yur life prayed up, an’ Pard, don’t forget to check yur cinch. Don’t be fallin’ on yur noggin’ this early in the year.
Vaya con Dios.