By Staff
This sunny, but chilly, Monday morning finds me sitting by the fireplace at my favorite coffee shop; something I try to do whenever possible.
But this Monday morning is different; it will alter my lifestyle and the way I like spending my day off.
As I ordered my Caf Americano and cherry scone, the green sign on the pastry case caught my eye.
Bella Vita Coffee is closing its doors on Jan. 30, 2009.
How is this possible?
My hideout, my place of Monday morning rest, a bastion of quiet and selective fellowship where many of these newsletter and newspaper articles were given birth, is going out of business.
It's not about the coffee.
I make pretty good java at home.
It's about the friends I have made over the years.
How will I tell my daughter that our favorite place to chat is going the way of many mom and pop enterprises?
Benched by the economy.
Life is filled with many disappointments and the closing of a coffee shop is the least of these, but the prospect of not seeing Scott, Christine, Esther, Elizabeth and Jeremy every now and then will leave an empty spot in my heart.
Too dramatic? Perhaps, but still a security blanket is being taken away.
Life is like that, isn't it? Here today and gone tomorrow.
Job experienced far more than losing his favorite tea tent; he lost everything that gave him comfort. OR DID HE?
Job 1:21: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
This ancient servant of God clung to the presence of his Creator. He could have groused at his plight, instead he gripped the hem of the Comforter's garment and held on for dear life.
You know the story … in the end Job ended up with more than he had in the beginning.
I have a feeling that even if the story didn't turn out with a 'Happily Ever After" ending, Job would not have given up on his God.
Some of you are facing decisions that will alter your lifestyle. Perhaps you have overextended your finances in hopes of that year-end bonus, only to be told that the bonus wasn't coming and your position is being considered for elimination.
Many are wondering if they spent too much on Christmas presents now that the first payments are coming due. Whatever your situation … there is one thing of which I am absolutely sure: As he promised His chosen people, so He promises us today…
"For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you …" Deut 4:31 NIV
Let me be clear: If you're struggling to make ends meet, you may be compelled to initiate some serious cutbacks in the "pleasure" category of your life. You may have to free yourself of needless debt and rearrange your finances.
When God allows change … even catastrophic change … He always has a purpose:
Remember, God never wastes a hurt. Every day is an opportunity to see the hand of God at work.
Even in these very difficult economic times, God desires to draw you close, whisper in your ear and warm your heart with His encouragement.
I'll close with a comment from my friend, Scott, who owns Bella Vita: "Christine and I are at peace with this decision."
It will take some time for me to be a peace with Scott and Christine's decision, but I know they love the Lord and He will guide them in the way that they should go.
God bless you, my friends, and if you ever open another coffee shop, I'll be there!
With Love and Prayers,