Coffee Shop Critique

I sit in the comfy arm chair directly across the pick-up counter, head phones playing soft classical music in my ears, my book open on my lap, and a hot Cinnamon Dulce Latte warming my chilled hands. From my position, where I try not to get too comfy as the warm spring sun streams through the window and warms my face, I have a great view of the entire coffee shop except for two small tables in the back corner. The door opens, I look up, two co-workers in suits and ties walk up to the counter and immediately place their order. They wait a brief minute, grab their cups of fresh drip coffee, dress it up in their own way, and walk out; this must be a frequent routine. My eyes slowly travel around the room; every minute the crowd changes as people stop in for their morning stimulant before heading to another day of work. Tall and short, fair and dark, athletic and over weight, hipster or businessman, assorted nationalities; take your pick. Each customer is so diverse, so different and yet that is exactly what makes it a typical coffee shop.

Some read newspapers, another flips through a magazine. Apple computers, iPads, and smart phones are the most common companion for most people, but there is the occasional person who brought along a real human with whom to share their coffee and thoughts. A young woman, athletic in build as well as style, occasionally lifts her focused eyes from her computer to glance at passers by. Something she reads disturbs her, her brow furrows, she looks worried, a hand, previously resting on her temples, covers her mouth - shock or grief? - I can't quite read the expression. A minute later the hand becomes a barrier on one side of her face between the world of the coffee shop and her eyes. She looks about to cry. I'll never know what she read, but I hope everything's ok. Later I catch her eye and offer her a smile and receive one in return.

This early spring weather in New Mexico has everyone confused as to proper attire - pants and boots, capris and flip flops, sweat shirts, scarves, and faux fur. One day it's freezing and windy and the next it's a sunny 65. I think about all these people and their mysterious lives. All I can see is the external side, which says a lot, yet I know nothing about who they really are. Each man and woman has their own unique story, their own thoughts, their own troubles. I wonder what it's like to be a midget? I smile on the inside, but I feel sorry for him at the same time, and I try not to stare. I stop and realize now, that with each person I've seen come and go, I've passed a judgement - not necessarily bad or harsh, critical or unkind - but a judgement none-the-less. I've decided in my mind, based on appearances, what I think they are like. I am disturbed at how quick and easy it is to label someone based on externals.

I mull over this for quite a while as I go about my errands, my drive home, and my chores around the house. After lunch, I sit down to have my quiet time. I flip open to where my bookmark lay between the pages of my Bible and begin to read. James 1 - a personal favorite. I think about things our pastor has brought up in discussion about this in our Bible study. James 2 - I've read it many times, but this time the verses jump out at me and I smile at God's perfect timing.

"My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, 'you sit here in a good place,' and say to the poor man, 'you stand there,' or, 'sit here are my footstool,' have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren: has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?... Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?" (vs. 1-7)

As humans and sinners, it is our tendency to judge others based on our circumstances and our personal experiences. God has created and called each and every person for a different purpose, to experience different things, to have different circumstances for a reason. We don't have to know or understand. We don't have to agree with someone else's choices, but we are told to show Christ's love and to let Him be the judge.



* photo from All Best Wallpapers