Pumpkin Spice Latte as Spiritual Exercise

One of the comments I keep hearing over and over the past few days is how nice the weather is. It seems we all get tired of the hot and dry of summer long before it's actually over. With the recent rain and cooler temperatures, it is finally beginning to feel like fall, for which many of us are extremely grateful.

I love the crunch of leaves, the cool breezes, and, of course, the signature drink of the season, the pumpkin spice latte. Nothing takes the chill off like that distinctive smell and wonderful taste. When I am in a bad mood, or things are not going so well (as was the case when trying to write this article), a PSL often does the trick.

As we move into fall, I tend to agree with Guy Davies, who writes the Exiled Preacher blog. In his most recent installment, he writes,

"Gratitude is the antidote for grumpiness. People who think that the world owes them a living are always quick to complain about anything and everything. You know the sort. But the fact is that whatever our problems in life, we have a lot for which to be thankful. We live in a beautiful part of the country with green fields, rolling hills and trees decked in their autumn hues. Our local shops are packed with plentiful supplies or food and drinks. It’s easy to take these things for granted. But a moment’s thought should make us grateful for rather than grumpy about our lot in life."

Some of the Psalms in the Bible are full of exuberant thanks to God for his goodness in creating this world and so richly providing for our needs. Psalm 65 pictures valleys clothed with grain shouting for joy. If the very fields proclaim God’s praise, then we should also thank him everything that  comes to us from his hands. 

Psalm 65 also speaks of God providing atonement for our transgressions. That was the gift that cost God the most to give. He sent his Son the Lord Jesus Christ into our world of selfishness and ingratitude to die on the cross for our sins. Through faith in Jesus we receive God’s offer of forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. What a giving and forgiving God! Recognizing that whatever we may possess is a gift from God should make us grateful to him and generous towards others who are in need.  

In college, I was part of a production of Godspell, a Broadway musical in which Steven Schwartz took some classic Christian hymns and repurposed them in his offbeat look at the life of Jesus. One of my favorites is the harvest hymn, All Good Gifts, which speaks of gratitude to God for all the goodness he has given us, and I assume that includes pumpkin spice lattes.

All good gifts around us

Are sent from heaven above,
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
For all His love.