An Unhurried Cup of Coffee

“What do you miss most about your homeland?” My question to a native German living in the United States brought an unexpected reply. “What I miss most is sitting unhurried at a café and drinking coffee with friends. Now I get my coffee at a convenience store rushing to my next appointment.” He realized that relationships flourish best in the soil of quiet, unhurried dialogue that encourages listening, questions and laughter.

My days, more often than not, mirror this hurried picture of life – a to-go cup of coffee in hand while on the run rather than a mug of coffee chatting with a friend. I know that living life in a café is unrealistic. However, if no “café experiences” exist in my life - sitting quietly with my wife, Pamela, or my friends - these relationships are in danger.

Could this same hurried approach be a part of my attitude toward God - my spiritual to-go coffee cup in hand? God desires a deep relationship with me. He encourages a more unhurried approach. Jesus valued His relationships with His disciples enough to pull away from the demands of His ministry life for times of solitude.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31 NIV)

Join me this week in an unhurried mug of spiritual coffee.

Sharing the journey with you,