After dropping off a friend at the airport early this morning I decided that my 5:00 a.m. awakening necessitated an over-priced cup of caffeinated goodness. I went to one of the four Starbucks within one mile of each other on Polaris Parkway. I was greeted by a friendly but not overly-perky female who helped me decide how many shots of espresso to add to my grande dark chai latte. For what it is worth, chai tea with two shots of espresso is a wonderful combination: a muted aroma of chai compliments a decadent balance of soothing tea with the fine flavor of freshly ground espresso bean. It made me pierce my lips, squint my eyes, wrinkle my forehead, and nod. The scruffy yet well-mainted guy who handed my drink to me was also especially nice. All of my last 12 trips to any Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, or local coffee shop in the central-northern Ohio area have been filled with pleasant people-encounters. Is it the atmosphere? Is it the subculture? Is it the closest existence to community that most people experience?
Matthew 5:38-48, NASB
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
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