By: Denny

Folgers coffee has been a recognized brand since its founding by James Folger in 1850. The company grew exponentially with the use of advertising on radio then television. It was 1965 when they introduced the sweet Swedish accented and grandmotherly Mrs. Olson into their ad campaigns. She starred in over 100 commercials whose general theme was to help younger women make better tasting coffee for their husbands. Of course this was only accomplished by brewing Folgers because it was “Mountain Grown, the best kind”. In 1996 Folgers came up with their famous jingle set to song in which the last line became iconic; “The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup”.

That little one line phrase came back to me as I sat drinking my morning coffee today. (sorry, not Folgers) The morning sun surrounded me sitting in my recliner next to the window as I sipped in quiet reflection. I had just finished reading John chapter ten where Jesus had entered the house of His friends Mary and Martha. Martha was busying herself with serving while Mary sat listening to Jesus words. Martha became agitated and told Jesus to make Mary help her. In verse 42 Jesus replied, “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” In Martha’s mind I think she thought she was choosing the best part by her good works in serving Jesus. Jesus didn’t say to Martha that serving Him was a bad thing, but choosing to sit and hear His words as Mary did was the good or best part. It all came down to a choice.

To further illustrate this point think about a child. Place before them a plate of cooked spinach or broccoli and a plate of cookies and watch which one they choose. I’m betting the cookies will be gone in no time. Even as adults we often anticipate desert as the best part of a meal. To further make my point try this: Place on a table (1) $50 bill, (1) $20 bill, (1) $10 bill, (3) $5 bills, and (5) $1 bills. Tell someone they can have whichever pile they choose, but can only choose one. I almost guarantee they’ll take the $50 bill. Why? It’s a no-brainer that the $50 bill has the most value. All the money on the table are parts of and equals $100, but the $50 bill is the best part.

The table of life, by comparison, holds many choices. As you reflect on the choices you’ve made thus far, have you settled for less than the best part? Have you picked up the larger pile of things of lesser value that taste like bad coffee? If so, you don’t need a Mrs. Olson, you need Jesus. He alone can make the bitter taste of your life choices disappear. In every Folgers commercial women admitted they messed up by making bad coffee. She never condemned them, but showed them a better way and solution. That’s how it is with Jesus. When we come to Him confessing our mess-ups (sin) and admitting we can’t please God by our human efforts, He forgives us and offers Himself and salvation as the only solution to overcoming our past bad choices. When anyone believes and accepts Jesus as their savior, the Holy Spirit brings the exciting forgiving flavor of God’s grace into their lives. Choose Jesus today, He is the best part. So, whether you’re a coffee drinker or not, you’ll be able to confidently say each and every morning: “The best part of waking up is Jesus in your life”.