God in the Café: Space for Building Relationship
Many of us love the famous American sitcom television series FRIENDS. This show gains stacks of popularity and received masses of affection from the viewers. One thing that caught my attention is the café on the show namely “Central Perk”. This café provides space for the six friends to develop improved relationship by knowing each other well thereby being supportive of one another.
Origin of Coffee houses
Coffee houses emerged at different times throughout the world, but has its origin from the Middle East and later Europe adopted this type of place and developed into urban institutions. The original English cafes appeared during the 17thcentury and were considered as Penny houses. Initially it began as an intellectual gathering place where members of the community discuss important matters and foster social ties. Through time, it was reckoned for their profound social and cultural value as this space demanded equality among individuals. The Patrons are treated with great respect regardless of their social status allowing the customers to feel comfortable and safe. In present word, Cafes offer a pick-me-up before work, a reward after a long day, a stimulating environment for creativity and thought, or simply a place to relax with friends and family.[1]
Reflection
Today, we see numbers of popular café like Starbucks, Barista, Café Coffee day and others either on the streets or on the highways. Meanwhile, there are also different types of local café in most of the neighbourhood providing a favourite hangout place for coffee and conversation for the clients. However, the purpose of café has been partially overlooked. It is commonly assumed as a hangout space only for the younger crowds.
It is a space where people regularly visit and spend their time with their friends, family, lovers, business partners and so on. Most of the cafes provide a healthy environment and this has a far more reaching impact upon the client because it is easier for the clients to relax and experience peaceful atmosphere. Accordingly, we see different kinds of café as it tries to provide an amiable feeling to the client.
There is an incorrect impression about café as a meeting point for lovers only. Nonetheless, we cannot refute that most lovers visit this space to build up their relationship. Even for the young business start-up, this space becomes a meeting point to discuss, share and develop their ideas in most cases leading them from rags to riches. A Café is one such place where people share their stories, connect, relate, talk, confront, encourage and find out more about one another face to face. In a way, this space has helped in sustaining interpersonal relationship.
The Hebrew Bible also talks about interpersonal God that engages actively with life of the Israelites. Right from the Genesis, it reveals that Humans are created for one another, are made for relationship, and to complement each other in love. Therefore, Relationship is basic to humanity. Our outlook towards Café can provide us to know that this space stresses on interpersonal relationship based on equality, respect, no social status, flexibility, and importance to every individual, in a way serving both our body and soul.
Prayer
Gracious God, enlighten us to know that in places like café Your presence can be known and experienced. Remind us that a space for cup of coffee can improve relationship with oneself, with one another and with You. Amen
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Author: Nongthombam Alifina
About the Author: Alifina belongs to Meitei community from Manipur. She completed her B.D from Eastern Theological College, Jorhat and Master of Theology from United Theological College, Bangalore. She taught for two years in Calvin Institute of Theology, Hyderabad in the department of Old Testament. Currently, she is preparing for her doctoral studies.
Reference
1. http://courses.cit.cornell.edu>files, “The Function and Design of Cafés Throughout Time” by Alisha Desai.
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