Have Time for A Coffee?

I must admit that I have heard the question, “do you have time for a coffee?” more in the last couple of weeks than I have my whole life. Maybe it’s just that I haven’t been paying attention, or maybe it’s a new expression. Either way, for me it rings of friendship, and it creates an opportunity for us to slow down, catch-up, and to listen.

My job has had me travelling to the Northeast a lot lately. In the past six weeks, I have been to Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City and it’s been in these cities that I have noticed this expression - this invitation to share a cup of coffee and to share fellowship.

It is wonderful to see people making a conscious attempt to reach out to one another and carve out some time from their busy lives in order to engage and to be fully present with one another. Nature has always created the means for the proper adjustments to occur so human beings can better adapt to a changing environment. I wonder if this isn’t another adaption brought on to help save us from ourselves once again. Connection is necessary for growth; growth is necessary for survival.

Last week in New York, I heard this expression twice in less than 24 hours. The first time was after a presentation I made when one of the attendees suggested to another that they “should go have a coffee” to discuss what they just heard.

The next morning I was in the hotel’s breakfast room when I heard one gentlemen asked another if he “had time for a coffee” in order to review the previous day’s activities. With each exchange, I was struck with how eloquently the expression was phrased.

I did not hear “let’s go get some coffee and talk,” or “let’s grab some coffee together.” Each time I heard the same wording: “Have a coffee.”

The meaning and purpose of this exact phrasing holds the essence and power of its effect. The sophistication of the statement seems to suggest that the opportunity to make time for one another is indeed a very important event. “Having a coffee” implies that the coffee is to be shared and enjoyed – just like the time together.

The coffee provides the medium for the conversation to occur. The coffee is also the device that helps to create the time, if only for a little while, and provides a warm environment for sharing. “Do you have time for a coffee,” is really just another way to ask, “Do you have time for me?”

Yes, coffee sold in the major coffee houses such as Starbucks and Caribou is expensive. Folks in my parents’ generation think it’s ridiculous to pay more than $.50 for a cup of coffee. While they may be right about the inflated prices, the value found in taking the time to connect and listen to someone else can be measured by more than $2 cups of coffee– its worth can be measured in love.

It’s good to know we will always find a way to take care of each another, and ourselves in the process.

Please consider making a donation to the A Time for Thanksgiving food drive. A $1.00 donation equals five meals.

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