Coffee Date No. 9
If we were on a coffee date, I'd take you to Methodical Coffee in downtown Greenville. It's where I'm writing this coffee date post from, so you know it's legit. They have the most delicious mocha I've ever had, twinkle lights, and the sweetest little view. They're currently playing Sufjan Stevens' Carrie & Lowell and I think I may never leave.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd have to tell you that I actually met a virtual coffee date friend IRL this month! I got to sit down with Amanda from Not Your Average Coffee Bean, and it was lovely. We sat and talked for a couple of hours about life and love and family and God, and meeting her reminded me that taking chances on people is always worth it.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you about my experience with IF: Local last week. Since we're on the subject of taking chances on people and all. Ten days ago I showed up at a church I had never been to and ate lasagna with women I had never met before and we shared our stories and sang songs on the floor and heard women bring the Word and God showed up. It was so good. I made friends that I hope to keep for as long as God will let me.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask if you've heard Ellie Holcomb's latest album, Red Sea Road. The title track has been on repeat for an entire week now, because it is just so applicable to my current season. The entire album is just phenomenal, and I couldn't recommend it more highly.
If we were on a coffee date, perhaps I would cry when I tell you that I'm asking Jesus for a new heart. I feel like I'm starting to move forward in this grieving process, but then last week, I got an email asking if we were planning to renew our membership at the church that let my husband go last fall, and all that bitterness finds it's way back to the surface. Also, I still feel a sense of hesitation when it comes to reaching out to new people and settling down in a new place, and I don't want that to be the case. I want to walk into this next season with grace and openness. So I'm asking Jesus to come in and make things new.
If we were on a coffee date, I might tell you that my word for 2017 hasn't gotten much love lately. I think I dove into rhythm in hopes that I could bypass or at least somehow mask the grieving process that we've had to go through after my husband lost his job. That's not to say that I don't totally need better rhythms in my life, because I absolutely do. And while I'm certainly not the most patient person, especially with myself, I'm learning that it is okay to take my time sometimes. And I'd ask how you're doing with your word for 2017.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask if you feel free. Because honestly, I don't feel free most of the time. I've been reading Rebekah Lyons' new book You Are Free, and I'm trying to soak in the sweetness of a Jesus who lets me come exactly as I am -- a Jesus who says that I am already free. His perfect love casts out fear. We talked about that in church yesterday, and I sat dumbfounded in the pew. What that phrase actually means in the original Greek is that the love of Jesus slams the door in fear's face. And let me tell you, I need me some of that.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask if you have any recommendations for a hair mask. Because girl, my mane is in serious need of some TLC. I think I'm going to book an appointment with my hair stylist so that I can go back to brown and maybe get some bangs, and then I will probably never bleach my hair again.
If we were on a coffee date, I might tell you that I'm trying to take a break from social networking. But that wouldn't really be true. Maybe I need someone to change my passwords on me, because lately, my feeds are like a nasty car accident that I can't seem to look away from. And all this bickering is toxic for my soul and my body.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask what is filling you up these days. Is it a hobby that brings you to life, or time with a particular person or group of people? Is it quiet time alone? Do you like to get outside?
If we were on a coffee date, of course I'd ask how your heart is. I'd ask how I can be praying for you. And I'd hope that you would feel safe enough to really lay it all out on the table.
What would you share with me on our coffee date? Link up your own blog post or share your heart in the comments.
Coffee dates were born and brewed at my friend Amber's place, and we're keeping them alive here while she is on a blogging hiatus.