An Invitation

It is an unobtrusive corner, a wingback chair is my current companion. I am waiting for a friend. And as I wait, I quietly observe the sights, smells, and sounds of “my” coffee house. The rich, robust coffee permeates the air and swirls around me. It invades my senses and I breathe deep. Few smells have the power to relax me in such a way but this is one of them. It is quiet at the moment. The evening rush hasn’t occurred yet and I notice that two others are waiting as well. There is only one girl working tonight and as I wait she brings me a glass of ice water with a kind smile. This kind of courtesy is missing today so I am touched by her thoughtfulness. Light jazz is playing throughout the house. Although I know none of the songs I am put at ease. It has been a stressful day. I juggle many things and God knows I need this coffee house as a place of refuge if only for a few moments.

Finally my friend arrives. Another mom who leads a stressful life like I do, who relates to me as we share our stories of the day. We go up to order. An iced latte for me, yes to the whipped cream! A piece of Boston Crème pie for her and a Coke on ice. We head back to our wingback chairs and a bit of “silence”. No toddlers, no husbands, no television just soft jazz and coffee. We chat about nothing and everything. Most of it has no meaning but hidden in between the lines are tidbits of frustration shared, victories won, and the unconditional love we hold for our families. The two hours fly by and we are left with nowhere to go but home. So we go. And as I walk back in the door to the chaos of my life I am refreshed and energized to do it all over again.

My time at the coffee house can be like my relationship with God. Sometimes I just sit and wait in some corner. I quietly observe the sights, smells, and sounds that accompany Who he is. His fragrance invades my heart and I breathe deep. He puts a quiet song in my mind to relax me. He is always faithful, always willing to provide a quiet place for me to regroup. A time to gain his perspective on my busy days. Sometimes I chat with him about nothing but most of the time I chat with him about everything.

So grab a cup of coffee, or tea if you prefer, I invite you to listen in on my coffee house conversations....