Coffee, Anyone?

It's been 15 days or so since I last blogged. I have no excuse-I've been home and everything. Laziness and relaxation are the only culprits I can think to blame. The longer I go between posts, though, the more I'm reminded of my love for writing.

The last few days have been simple and enjoyable, simply enjoyable I suppose one could say. As always, I've been learning small things in life, discovering little joys, and loving the fellowship with my friends and family (although there are some dearly loved family members that I have yet to see, SARAH ROZIER :))

Some small things I've learned:

     1. Home is wherever the family is.
     2. A puppy can be so stubborn that it would rather be dragged on its back than walk on a leash.
     3. Mom doesn't like chickens. "Aaron, if they peck at me... THEY'RE PECKING AT ME!!!!"
     4. I really do want to own a coffee-shop at some point in the future.

Concerning the coffee-shop, I discovered my love of that informal, relaxed atmosphere almost three years ago. I ran into some friends at JT's Java Cafe, a spontaneous hang-out occurred, and I felt completely comfortable and in my element. Since then, I've had a somewhat childish dream of eventually owning my own, but I've never believed that it had a chance of becoming reality.

On a recent bike riding trip with Mom and Dad, though, I decided that I really do want to own a shop one day. I have various reasons, but it all boils down to my love of fellowship and coffee. Last Friday, we (Mom, Dad, and I) were on a bike trail in Inverness, FL for several hours, which gave me plenty of time to think and daydream. Reflecting over my Cleveland trip, I realized that the best conversations I had almost all occurred in coffee-shops or coffee-shop like cafes. For me, there is something about those environments that encourages me to open up and allow conversation to flow. Whatever it is-the aroma of fresh brewed coffee, the relaxing vibe, the comfy couches-I thrive in it because friendliness and fellowship seem to naturally grow when I'm in its presence. I'm sure that eventually I'll encounter some coffee-shop visits that flop, but at least until now I have yet to have a super-awkward conversation when I'm surrounded with the buzz of coffee-thirsty patrons.

What better way to spiritually connect with people than in such a place? Coupled with my heart for the nations, maybe I'll one day be able to start a coffee-shop in a city with an international presence. I could reach out to immigrants and offer them job training and English lessons, start bible studies, have a platform for young musicians, potentially even start a church... The possibilities are numerous. I don't know ANY specifics, including when and where, but I have at least made a resolve to do it one day, Lord willing.

I still have a burning passion for international missions and bible translation. I haven't a clue how these passions that God has given me will work out or work together. Maybe I'll spend time on a translation project, then come stateside. Maybe the coffee shop will be in another country. Maybe God will lead me on Journeyman or another medium-term trip and afterwards bring me back. Maybe the coffee-shop is a retirement thing. I don't know. I've just learned that God is faithful, following Christ is an adventure, and obedience must drive our lives if we are to be the children that God intends for us to be. And as children of God, we never quite know what's in store for us next.