The other morning, I was up early enjoying my usual routine: quiet, peaceful devotional time and a hot cup of coffee. There’s something sacred about that first sip, isn’t there? It’s like life’s little reward for waking up early.
But as I finished my coffee that particular morning, something strange caught my eye at the bottom of the cup. It looked like a string, just floating there, waving gently in the dark remnants. Curiosity won over caution, and I reached in to fish it out.
To my surprise (and horror), that “string” turned out to be a crane fly! Yes—a large, leggy, winged creature had joined me for my entire peaceful coffee ritual. Talk about unwelcome company! Instantly, I felt my stomach turn. Gross. Needless to say, the rest of that coffee went straight down the drain, along with my appetite.
Life is funny that way, isn’t it? One moment you’re savoring peace, and the next, you’re fishing insects from your coffee cup. It’s gross, unpleasant, and certainly not what you planned. But here’s the kicker—life isn’t always predictable or neat. Sometimes flies land in our coffee. Sometimes our perfectly laid plans fall apart. Sometimes things get messy, awkward, or downright uncomfortable.
But what do you do when life hands you a crane fly in your coffee? You dump it out and pour another cup. You keep it moving.
Because life doesn’t stop just because something unpleasant shows up. Each day, you get to choose: Will you let life’s unexpected surprises ruin your day, or will you brush them off, adjust your sails, and keep moving forward?
Next time a fly lands in your coffee—literally or metaphorically—take a moment to laugh. Recognize that life is going to “life” sometimes, and that’s okay. Then pour yourself a fresh cup, embrace the humor, and remind yourself: this too shall pass. Keep it moving.
And because I know you want to know!
A crane fly, often mistaken for a large mosquito, actually serves several useful purposes in nature:
- Ecosystem Balance: Crane flies serve as important food sources for various animals, such as birds, spiders, frogs, fish, and other insects. They play a vital role in supporting biodiversity.
- Soil Health: The larvae, known as “leatherjackets,” help decompose organic matter in soil, aiding nutrient cycling and improving soil health.
- Food Chain Contribution: Both larvae and adults significantly contribute to the food chain, providing sustenance for many species, especially birds and amphibians.
- Indicator Species: Crane flies can also act as indicators of environmental quality since their larvae thrive best in healthy, moist environments.
Though they might be an unwelcome guest in your morning coffee, crane flies indeed play their part in the natural world!