I'm out on my back porch enjoying one of these right now... probably my favorite Nicaraguan cigar, which happens to be cultivated from Cuban seed. I know I owe y'all another post or two on the theology of tobacco, but right now I really just want to tell you how amazing this cigar is! It has the aroma of a newly planted field; moist earth and the undefinable odor of satisfaction in a day well spent. The draw is easy and smooth, with rich smoke plumes and a lingering taste of freshly cut hardwood and cocoa powder. And at $4 to $6 a stick (depending on size) it's quite a bargain! I usually enjoy a little dark chocolate and/or Scotch with my cigars, and today is no exception. I'm sipping a glass of Glenmorangie - Burgundy finish, which serves to highlight the woody notes of the cigar.
As with most upper echelon culinary endeavors, I find that cigar smoking and whisky drinking stimulate brain activity.
Stop laughing!
Seriously, despite their reputation for dulling the senses, I find myself tuned and sharpened in an effort to fully appreciate the many different elements of each sip and puff. Is that a hint of honeysuckle in the Scotch? Did that whiff of smoke remind me of a grassy field after a hard rain? I find my vocabulary stretched to the limit in an effort to capture my enjoyment in words!
Certainly one must exercise moderation, lest overindulgence should breed silliness, headaches, or intoxication. But savored appropriately, I find these gifts of God serve to facilitate my enjoyment of Him and His creation. Rushdoony and Van Til become easier reading, the truth of Scripture leaps from the page, and my creativity soars as I ponder sub-points for my next Men's Meeting lesson.
That's why I call my back porch "The Acuity Lounge".
2 comments:
Eh, where was that when I was reading Mere Christianity? Those were tough times... ^___^
Very well put insights into some of God's good gifts, and how they may be enjoyed to the glory of God. Ah, a fine cigar (Even better at bargain prices, of course), dark chocolate (Is there any other?), and some great Scotch (Glenmorangie - Burgundy finish = very fine, indeed). Of course, as I read the words of your blog, I can't help but hear in the background the loud, long string of historical amens coming from none other than the likes of Spurgeon, Machen, and numerous Scottish Presbyterian ministers, to name a few. A few memorable quotes come to mind:
"In 1905 as his seminary days were coming to an end he wrote, 'The fellows are in my room now on the last Sunday night, smoking the cigars and eating the oranges which it has been the greatest delight I ever had to provide whenever possible. My idea of delight is a Princeton room full of fellows smoking. When I think what a wonderful aid tobacco is to friendship and Christian patience, I have sometimes regretted that I never began to smoke.' "
- J. Gresham Machen
"When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm, refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God and have blessed His name." - C. H. Spurgeon
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