The Coffee’s On

My grandparents used to drive across three states in the middle of the night to reach my great grandmother. No matter the time of their arrival, there was always a pot of coffee on to welcome them. My grandparents and great grandmother would tuck my father and uncle into bed and stay up all night talking. They couldn’t wait to catch up.

I wonder how many millions and billions of relationships have been strengthened by coffee chats? How many of us have found comfort in starting our days with that first cup? Perhaps it’s been in the kitchen with a loved one or silently greeting God’s creation at the window? Maybe you’ve groggily yet cheerfully gathered around the coffee pot at work? Possibly it’s been around a table at noon with others who understand or at a café where you finally met?

Look at the Starbucks and coffee shops that have spread like wildfire across this country and around the world as people not only seek out the caffeine but also the warm smiles shared over the counter as joyful baristas ask your name or already know it. Hours and hours are spent in these coffee shops in the comfort of friends or even in the comfort of just not being alone.

Oh, coffee, yes, I am thankful for you.

I’m thankful for the memories of meeting my friends almost daily as teenagers at the Hillcrest coffee shop in Little Rock drinking giant chai tea lattes not worrying about the world revolving around us only caring about each other and that moment. It really was all ok.

I’m thankful for the ways you kept us awake giggling through our studies in college and leading us to the completion of those papers and preparing us for exams.

I’m thankful for the strength you gave me to lift my head and push my cart through Target and smile through every aisle the first time I left my daughter at home with my husband after she was born.

I’m thankful that you bring new people into my life and that you give me time with my dearest friends and colleagues. That you give us a time out to catch up, to listen, to share, to solve, to just be.

I’m thankful for every cup and conversation shared, especially with my parents and my mother-in-law, who always make sure the coffee’s on, and I’m thankful to my husband, who may not drink coffee but who knows how important putting the coffee on can be.

Here’s to sharing that next cup, everyone.

With love and light,

LT

Light Over Darkness

Just when you think times can’t get darker, in comes the season of light. When your mind has turned all night, the sun begins to rise. It’s another day. You don’t know what direction to turn and suddenly a kind word of wisdom points the way.

Today marked the first day of Advent leading to the celebration of Christmas. Candles were lit around the world encouraging thoughtful and prayerful opening of hearts and minds to the way that love can change the world. I can’t think of better timing!

I certainly could use Advent and its wonderful time for reflection and preparation and its powerful reminders of comfort and joy to be found in the story of a child born in a manger and his short time among us on Earth.

Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  (Luke 21:25-28)

What a lovely invitation continues to be extended to us year after year. We may have to wait for Christmas Day, but we never have to wait for its gift to us. We don’t have to wait for a special day, for a year, for an hour or even another minute. We just have to be willing to accept the invitation for a better life, a life of light.

“Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility...” (From A Collect for the First Sunday of Advent, Book of Common Prayer, pg. 211)

Take comfort in the fact that darkness, no matter how dark it may be, will never win against the light. Take it into your heart and feel its strength and share it with others. With light and love you can change your world and the world of others for better.  

As we enter Advent, I am reminded of the other wonderful celebrations of light from around the world, especially our Hindu friends who just celebrated Diwali. A wonderful five-day festival, Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. Our Jewish friends celebration of Hanukkah begins soon as well, reminding us that there will always be enough oil to light the sacred lamp.

We have everything we need, my friends. Take a look at what may be keeping you in the dark and do what you need to do to let the light show you the way. Listen to those loving words of kindness from friends and family. Find the support of community. Read, pray, meditate, exercise, rest. Take time for yourself and do more for others. Make room for the light; it will give you life.

With love and light,

LT

E.T. I'll be right here.

We watched “E.T.” tonight with our children. Abby is eight and William is six. It was fantastic.

After trying for many days to get a babysitter so my husband and I could go out to see a movie on our own, I gave up and proposed that instead we have a family movie night. Andrew suggested “E.T.” explaining that every child must see it. I’m not sure why, but I hesitated. As I looked through the other options, I honestly couldn’t imagine any other movie available being any better. I was right. Andrew was most definitely right.

Watching E.T. with our children for the first time was magical. I can only imagine what it was like for my parents when we first watched it together. Andrew and I had the added bonus of having seen the movie before and having the opportunity to help our children through some of the parts they found intense with the promise of hope.

I love, love, loved being reminded how those children stood up against every authority in their lives to protect the innocent, to do what was right and ultimately to save a life. I was amazed at the simplicity and yet complexity of the movie. My heart soared.

I will declare it now, regardless of technological achievements, the group bike escape and flying scene is the greatest movie scene of all times.

My heart is full of joy and hope. Thank you, Steven Spielberg. Your gift of creating meaningful relationships through characters and story continues to amaze me movie after movie. I so appreciate this special evening and memory you have given my family.

"I'll be right here."

With love and light,

LT

The Light of the World

I’m not ready to take the lights down. The house has a full feeling to it. There is still a glow from the reds, golds, greens and whites that litter our rooms and an echo of the voices that have filled them. It feels warm, comfortable, safe. I know this feeling is not just from the lights and ornaments donning the tree or the glittered miniature trees atop my mantle. But goodness, they sure help to fill the heart up by reminding us of all the love shared because the Light of the world is with us.

I am thankful for the way that Light brought family and friends together for a season…how that Light had strangers reaching out in kindness to others. I’m so thankful that that Light shed understanding on what was unclear and how the pathway seems a little more manageable.

I’m thankful that that Light brought giggles and laughter and squeals of delight. I’m thankful that that Light brought singing and joy and beautiful dancers out to share their best. I’m thankful that hands were held because of that Light and hugs were shared. I’m thankful that souls got a little bit braver because of that Light and reached out to make connections that seemed impossible.

Oh, I am so thankful for connections for relationships for the love shared in our community. So many gifts shared. Not presents.

I want to keep the lights on. I want to keep them on as long as it takes to remind me to carry this Christmas spirit with me.

Dear God, Help me to remember that that Light never goes out and is always with me. It feels warm, comfortable and safe. I see it in kindness, a hand held, a hug shared. It shines from songs raised in joy and laughter shared in love. I want to keep the lights on God. Help me to be brave and to share with others great love and appreciation for the Light of the World sent to us through the sweet baby Jesus.

Love came down at Christmas and the world was filled with Light!

With love and light,

LT