To set the scene. Des Moines hosted its first latte throwdown, and I was honored to be the "professional customer" judge. Basically, it involved choosing between two cappuccinos at at time (like going to the eye doctor) while seated between two judges who knew a lot more than I do. The entire cafe was packed and it was quite fun.
Over the past 2 years in particular, I've been invited into rooms I don't deserve to be in.
Sometimes that room looks like a stadium and I'm holding a camera.
Sometimes that room looks like the bedroom floor of a new friend and I'm listening and eating something like pad Thai or pizza.
Sometimes that room looks like a car at night with the music way too loud or not at all and I'm alive, I'm alive.
And sometimes that room looks like the bar of a coffee shop I've visited more times than I can count. Beside folks who know incalculably more about coffee than I do. Judging a latte art competition together. I have no business being here, really. But here I am. Invited.
What fun. What an honor. Undeserved.
Every time I'm let into a room, into a stadium, or a home, or a business, or a life, or a soul: every time that is an honor. In a way, it feels like a sacred space. But only sometimes do I remember that and take the time to be blown away with gratefulness.
I never want to take this life for granted. God, let me always be awestruck, wonderstruck at these opportunities. Big moments or small, I want to forever marvel over this life.
Enjoy the rest of these photos from the evening.
