Coffee Date | Four
Coffee Dates were born and raised at my friend Amber's place.
If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you how glad I am that September is here. Not that it has gotten any cooler in the past twelve days, but that life is starting to adopt some familiar rhythms -- and for that, I am so grateful. Our small groups are starting to meet again, event season is winding down, and I feel like I can breathe.
If we were on a coffee date, I might still be drinking something iced, depending on the time of day. It is still hot during the day, but the mornings and evenings are becoming almost bearable. And even though autumn is my very favorite, you will never see me consuming a pumpkin flavored beverage. Its an unpopular opinion, I know, but I just cannot get on board with them.
If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about what I'm learning when it comes to hospitality. Specifically, we have to be willing to be interrupted, but we also have to be willing to interrupt -- to nudge our way into the lives of others and say I don't care if it is messy in here, I just want to love you.
If we were on a coffee date, I would share with you the handful of recent occasions that I've tried vulnerability on for size and it didn't look half bad. A misunderstanding with my best friend, being honest with friends in different seasons, and general truth telling and quirk exposing, and I have lived to tell the tale. As it turns out, no one was waiting for me to fall flat on my face. Instead, they were kind, gracious, understanding, encouraging, and apologetic. Vulnerability may be hard, and you will fall down sometimes, but it is always worth it.
If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about my friend Kevin and share this message he preached recently. A couple years ago, Kevin and his wife Katie moved from Georgia to Nashville to bring Jesus and community to young adults. And the man and I could not be more proud of everything that they're doing. Their friendship has been one of the sweetest chapters in our story.
If we were on a coffee date, I would ask who you're following on social networking, and how they influence you. I recently had to (sigh) unfollow a few people who seem to have all the drama and even more opinions that were just plain unkind. Whenever I came across their posts, I ended up feeling drained and frustrated. So I get more notifications for pretty things and people who offer a breath of fresh air, and far less for those that don't.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask what you're studying in scripture. I love hearing about how God is using his word to speak to others. I just finished a study on hospitality by She Reads Truth, and I'm getting ready to start a study on Hosea with some beautiful women in my church.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask what your favorite clothing items for fall are. I have all the heart eyes for sweaters and ankle boots, and I also wear a lot of scarves.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask what you're praying for so that I can pray, too. Right now I'm praying for the women's group that I'm leading, for genuine love and honest communication in my marriage, and for diligence in keeping up with good habits.
What would you tell me if we were on a coffee date?