Breadth Thrusts & Bread Crusts: A Cup of Coffee Offers Context

But the Alaskan adventure wasn’t their only big adventure. My grandparents also made the journey overseas. 

While no one would consider them fussy (in fact, they may have been the least fussy people I ever met), it is important to note that they did have specific warm drink preferences. Doris loved her hot tea. Paul enjoyed his coffee. 

On one flight to London, Doris asked for her tea. Paul ordered his coffee. The flight attendant returned with a cup of freshly brewed, steaming hot coffee for Paul -- and a cup of lukewarm water, a Lipton tea bag, and a couple packets of sugar for Doris. 

On their flight back to Washington, the same scenario unfolded. They settled into their seats, made their drink requests and waited. This time, the flight attendant returned a tepid cup of instant coffee for Paul and provided Doris with tea that was steeped in a pot and accompanied by sugarcubes. 

They appreciated the drinks they were served (remember, they were not fussy people). But the evidence of the American preference for coffee over tea on the flight from Dulles and the British preference for tea over coffee on the return flight from Heathrow was all too obvious. 

Once again, I’m reminded context matters. 

The starting point impacts the journey. Where we have been can impact the evidence that we see along the way. 

If we pay attention, this important context can provide clues about where we might be headed.  It can even be enough to figure out direction -- even if we don't always know the final destination.