Happiness is Coffee on the Front Porch
Happiness is morning coffee on the porch. Any porch. We jokingly call our front porch the veranda. The word sounds elegant, sophisticated and always inviting. But actually, Meriam Webster defines veranda as “a usually roofed open gallery or portico attached to the exterior of a building”. A synonym for porch.
Porches are iconic in American architecture. Historically southern porches were large and prominent, a symbol of status. Often used for ventilation and as I call it, front porch sitting, especially in the evening to escape a summer warmed house. Then Frank Lloyd Wright popularized his style of porch with the prairie style house and the bungalow. Porches with ample room for sitting and visiting with neighbors before TV and too many cars.
Verandas provide a welcoming entry into a home. Yet beckon those who enter to return, stay and linger in the serene, secure outdoor room. Even for just a minute. And for that morning cup of coffee, weather permitting.
The porch welcomes the tired gardener ready for a break and necessary hydration with ice cold tea, or refreshing lemonade.
Then there’s the beach balcony. Coffee to begin the day, and later a refreshing beverage in the heat. Topped off with a conversation with loved ones.
Morning quiet times on the porch are my favorite. God seems to speak to me in the fresh, crisp air as the birds sing love songs to one another and the flowers provide a colorful parade of blooms. A new color scheme each day. The veranda feeds my imagination where thoughts flow into words, then paragraphs on a blank page always with the aid of a favorite colored pen.
Question for you today: are you enjoying the porch or that patch of outdoor goodness? Are you taking a moment to sit quietly, or take ten to rejuvenate before getting back to work in the yard? Is your space inviting? Maybe you need to hear from God?
We can always feed our creativity as we add beauty to special spaces. Maybe you can make your space, no matter how small, more inviting. A task that requires my attention as well.
My outdoor space needs some TLC. Recent adventures on the beach resulted in lots of great treasures from the sea: shells. And I haven’t planted petunias (a personal favorite) yet. Hopefully I’ll find some pale yellow, crimson red, or pretty purple.
Happy front porch sitting.
Prayer for You Today
Father,
I pray for your Beloved today, that thier cup would be filled to overflowing with your goodness, and love. May you embrace them with your presence and loving kindness. Amen.
Scripture for You Today
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my brimming cup runs over. Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord and His presence shall be my dwelling place” (Psalm 23:5-6).
© 2023 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved
