Humility

I’m not a coffee shop blogger like so many are, but there is a sense of community in this environment, so here I am in Elm Rostery with a lavender latte. These people of Queens are my people. I don’t pretend to understand the various cultures surrounding me, speaking in languages I don’t know, but I feel at home here with these humble, hardworking people, many of whom came to Queens from war torn countries and Communist regimes.

Yesterday, I went to Domino Park on the Brooklyn waterfront. The old Domino Sugar Factory facade still stands, the inside converted to luxury apartments. There are awesome views of Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines from the park. However, I did not feel at home. I walked quickly through the park, trying (not with complete success) to focus on the beauty of the sunshine glinting on the East River rather than on the wealthy liberals sunbathing. (Yes, God loves them as much as he loves me, and I count some of them as friends!)

This blog took off in a completely different direction than I planned. And now I’m not certain where to go with it. I sigh a prayer.

God feels at home with the humble. I remember the patron near us in a crowded Italian restaurant. All mealtime, he visited about his brilliance, his expensive car, and the beautiful woman he dated – everyone in the room turned to look when he walked in with her.

As I type those last words, I hear, “Lord, I pray that you bless our community.” I look to the table beside mine and observe two young men and a young woman praying. It’s so beautiful.

“Lord,” I pray, “Clothe me with humility.” Berniece

P.s. I moved over to have a heart to heart visit with these young people – two from South Korea and one from Malaysia. A barista (he owns the coffee shop along with David, one of the South Koreans) came over to meet me and offered me a free coffee. (“Thank you, but I’m sufficiently caffeinated.”) God is working in Elmhurst. 😌