I only read those articles about coffee consumption that work in my favour. The latest, for which I am truly grateful, and was quick to show my nagging offspring, was some research – I dare say, done by one of the world’s leading laboratories – that drinking three to four cups of coffee a day can help to reduce the risk of mouth and throat cancer, and thus result in longer life. Such good news, and just one of the myriad benefits of nature’s wonder brew.

I secretly know in the depths of my heart, but would never admit it, that there may be some health risks to drinking too much coffee, but I am happy to turn a blind eye to such information. I also know, but would also never admit it, that my attitude to my blind spot is both naïve and willfully-immature, and that a better course of action would be to take all the facts into account.

I also secretly know in the depths of my soul, and admit it willingly, that avoiding eye contact with those Bible texts that speak of trials, valleys and hardships, and only seeing texts that speak of blessing, prosperity and victory, is not only naïve and immature, but may be to miss, and even resent God’s best work in our lives. Laura Story in her song Blessings asks the question: “What if the trials of this life, are Your mercies in disguise?” Good question, and what poor form not to see it.