Every Christmas Break I have had since beginning college has always become a time for regrouping and catching up with those I have actually kept in contact with since graduating high school.

And what is the most common method of these catching up sessions?

Coffee dates.

Ah yes, coffee dates. The alluring medium of gathering that perfectly walks the line of intimate conversation and awkward chatting.

The local coffee shop, Craft, provides the setting for just about 99% of these dates. Their yellow walls and cheerful faces have the unique ability to lighten even the most serious conversations, ever so slightly.

But of all of the coffee dates I schedule at this cozy parlor, one always sticks out.

The coffee date of all coffee dates,

The coffee date with Austin and Amy.

Three years running, my friend Amy and I have gotten together to chat over Christmas Break with our former youth pastor/director/intern/friend Austin and catch up on life in general.

And after each date my mind is warm and jumping wild with ideas and encouragement and plans.

You see, Austin has the most amazing ability to listen. He listens to Amy and I divulge the most random events of our lives with a straight face, and then proceeds to put in his two cents in the most loving and honest way. His mind is constantly in a position of curiosity and receiving, never supergluing shut its doors.

To put it bluntly, he listens, but isn't afraid to tell us when he thinks we're veering off path, and this is something I so appreciate.

Not only do Amy and I get to share about our own lives, we are updated on Austin's life, and we get to envy the cool new atmosphere he is helping facilitate in our former youth group.

Can I just say that God is doing something really amazing? And Austin is certainly an instrument in this.

To get to question and dream and laugh with these two is a gift.

To get to be real and doubt and whisper with them is something I treasure.

And to think, they enjoy it too. How wonderful is it to know people who like to listen, aren't afraid to share, and will spend their precious time doing so?

Coffee shops and coffee dates can be holy ground, if not for gigantic transformation, at least the catalyst or building block for the kind of immeasurable transformation that occurs over a long period of time.

I'm thankful for talking. I'm thankful for friends.

Thanks be to God.