Most of my friends and family know that I like my coffee boiling lava hot.
Think of hot coffee then add about 20 degrees. The key to drinking boiling lava hot coffee is the rate at which you drink it, the speed of light. I always enjoy my coffee but am quite sad when my cup is empty a few minutes later but I could never bring myself to drink lukewarm coffee or even (shudder) cold coffee just to make it last a bit longer and enjoy the act of drinking coffee instead of just downing it. I’m not so sure if any of this is going to make sense but since landing here in Serbia, there is something very sweet I have started realizing and it revolves around the idea of actually enjoying cold coffee.
Last week I was having a conversation with a man named Greg. Greg grew up in the states but felt called to Serbia in his late teens- early twenties. After serving on a mission trip he fell in love with the country and the people who called Serbia home. (It doesn’t hurt that his wife is Serbian too) 20 years, and 3 kids later, they spend the majority of their time in Serbia where Greg pastors a church. Anyway, I was having a conversation with Greg last week something along the lines of how SLOW I feel like the culture is here and how it makes me uneasy. You see, I’m really good at planning. At seeing how full I can make my planner. At trying to kill as many birds as I can with one stone. At planning my days out so well that some tasks are scheduled down to the minute. I’m so good at this last one that it often times keeps me from enjoying the company of my friends over a hot-turned-cold cup of coffee getting lost in conversation and relationship.
When I look back on times when I have felt most connected to a friend truly enjoying my time, it wasn’t when I was looking at my watch or starting a conversation with, “I have to be somewhere in an hour, so I don’t have a ton of time.” It’s when I’m so completely lost in conversation that I can’t drink my coffee fast enough to keep it boiling lava hot. While talking with Greg and hearing his stories about how when he’s in the states it’s often times impossible to find people who will make time for coffee dates. It struck a cord with me. Often times a response would be, “Oh, can I get back with you?” or, “ Let me check my calendar!” or, “I’m sorry this week is just SO busy!” Can I take a moment and raise my hand and say that I am guilty of saying all of those? I’m embarrassed to admit that I have had a response explaining my “no” more frequently than I have said yes. If you’re a friend of mine back home, can I take a moment and say I’m sorry? I’m sorry and so incredibly sad that I have lived the majority of my adult life idolizing time. Time that isn’t even mine to begin with!
Yes, life is crazy and busy and I’m by no means trying to call anyone out, I just want to share what God has been opening my eyes to in the mere weeks since leaving the comforts of my scheduled, predictable, yet hectic life. Time is quite possibly the most precious and prized thing of “mine.” Perfect example, I turned down a teammate here in Serbia to go for a walk and talk so that I could tidy my 3×9 portion of the tent I call home this month instead. OUCH, right?!
I’m currently in a rare season of my life where I can absolutely have zero excuses to not be meeting with people and sharing life. Yet, here I am still finding ways to control and prioritize my life and how to spend my time. This slow and community driven living I’m experiencing here in Europe is such a gift. It’s redeeming so much in me and my story, but also teaching me how to slow down and enjoy others so much that I may even sip on some cold coffee.
It has been two weeks since landing here in Serbia and so many things to think about and surrender already, but for now I’ll start with some cold coffee.
In total, I am still about $4,000 away from my goal of funds needed to complete the race. My next deadline is $13,000 – Due 9/30/2016. That’s SOON! If you believe in what God is doing and want to partner with me check out the orange “Donate!” button at the top of this page. Thank you so much for sending me!
