Coffee Time Again: Friendship, Spirituality, and the Joy of Presence

Coffee Time Again: Friendship, Spirituality, and the Joy of Presence

In this thoughtful episode of To Be and Do, host Philip Amerson weaves together music, scripture, and moving stories to invite listeners into an exploration of friendship, presence, and the transformative nature of true companionship. With Ken Medema’s soothing “Coffee Time Again” framing the conversation, Philip offers a powerful meditation on how friendships can blossom in the unlikeliest places and how we might reimagine our relationships in light of wisdom from the Gospel of John.

Here are three key takeaways from this episode:

1. Friendship Over Servanthood

Drawing on the Gospel of John, Philip discusses a poignant teaching attributed to Jesus: “I no longer call you servants, but I call you friends.” This shift from servanthood to friendship, he suggests, is not only powerful but also deeply challenging. It's an invitation to move beyond hierarchical relationships—ones marked by oversight and control—towards genuine mutuality. By asking who in our own lives we might “befriend” rather than simply serve, Philip encourages us to seek authentic connection with those who might see us as overseers or guides. This mindset invites humility and challenges us to reevaluate how we relate to others in all aspects of life.

2. The Transformative Power of Encounter

Philip shares a moving story from the time of the Spanish Inquisition. In this story, a rabbi and an imam—representatives of communities persecuted during that dark era—meet in the midst of brutality. What starts as a confrontation between possible enemies blossoms into a real friendship through honest conversation and shared experience. “I sat down with the person I thought was my enemy...and we walked away friends.” The story serves as a reminder that meaningful encounters—even across divides—can transform animosity into camaraderie. In today’s polarized world, this message feels especially relevant and hopeful.

3. Presence as a Gift: The ‘Coffee Time’ Invitation

From the music’s opening notes to his closing benediction, Philip frames the episode as a “coffee time moment”—a time of pausing, sharing, and being present with one another. He suggests that such moments hold the potential for “a cup of love and laughter,” and encourages listeners to seek out these opportunities for connection in their own lives. Whether over coffee or through a phone call, taking time to share presence can be a simple yet profound gift, both to ourselves and to others.

Final Thoughts

Through story, scripture, and song, this episode of To Be and Do gently nudges us to reimagine our relationships and to embrace the spiritual possibility that every shared moment holds. As Philip says, “May God bless. As my friend Ken Medema says, it’s coffee time again.” So take a pause, reach out to someone, and let the sacredness of true friendship transform your daily routine.

Tune into the full episode to bask in the warmth, wisdom, and hope that Philip Amerson offers—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be inspired to share a cup of love and laughter with someone new.