I’m taking a seat at the table for the Coffee Dates series with Erin Salmon & Amber Thomas. Let’s get cozy with a cup of our beverage of choice and chat for a bit.
If we were on a coffee date, I’d order a brewed tea. I’m trying to drink less lattes while I’m out and about because they cost twice as much as a hot tea most places. Saving the money is letting me get tea out more often – to do my work in public at coffee shops twice a week or to meet a friend – and that’s well worth skipping a chai latte now and again!
If we were on a coffee date, I’d ask you how you are and try to get really quiet so I can listen. I think we all need that sometimes – someone to press pause on the noise around you and the thoughts running through their own head to hear your heart and understand you just a little more by the end.
If we were on a coffee date, I’d tell you about how this StartUp Camp podcast interview with Carlos Whittaker and Hilary Rushford’s sabbatical thoughts inspired me to make a 6 week “plan” to make the most of my days. My heart has been yearning for more structure, community, adventure, and wellness; I’ve been sick and it’s messed with my intended lifestyle in ways I haven’t liked. This plan was my way of trying to work toward a well lived life. I’d let you know that I did really well with it for about 3 weeks and loved every minute of it. Then I’d admit that I’m currently struggling with it a bit as I’m in another season of not feeling well. But I’m not giving up; not for a minute. The things that are most worth having, those things you don’t give up on.
If we were on a coffee date, I’d pause for a moment before confessing to you that I’ve been afraid of the weight of my words. I’d tell you about how I’ve been tip-toeing around writing because of it and ask you if you’ve ever felt the same way. I’d tell you that for awhile, I wasn’t sure why I was hesitant, but when I realized it was fear, I made myself share something I’d written. Twice. Because I’ve realized that words have weight, but that’s the whole point. Death and life is in the power of the tongue, and I can choose my words well in Jesus’ name.
If we were on a coffee date, I’d ask you about October. What are you most looking forward to? Do you have any special goals? How is this season settling in to your bones?
I love you so much, friend. I just need to move to Kentucky!
Well, maybe not, because I should be moving out of state before too much longer. Ha! But yes, close to me would be lovely! 🙂
for october i’ve adopted a heart of slowness… or at least i’m attempting it. and that’s a really blessed thought for myself. like slow. breathe. slow. it’s hard and so not my usual pattern, but slow, go, slow.
brewed tea is my FAVORITE thing at this time of year when the mornings hold SUCH a chill and i just want some warmth from my head to my toes.
Ohhh, Amber, YES! I LOVE that. Slow is such a sweet place to be. I’ve been in a ‘season of rest’ over the last year and it’s been challenging, but so fruitful. Excited for you! Breathe deep, girl. 🙂
And yes on the tea! It’s just so nice! Mmm!
Oh, I am the worst at getting quiet. I don’t know what it is about me that has to fill all the spaces with music or words or prayers, but it’s always been an issue for me. Quiet time is rarely quiet, but I want to change that habit.
It can be challenging! I’m okay with quiet; I may even love it. haha! But when I’m engaged in a conversation, usually with closest friends, sometimes my words leave before my heart’s had time to truly take in the other person’s words and listen. Trying to be better about that! 🙂