Knowing

As I slowly pulled a double espresso for my morning latte, I knew it was going to be a great cup.  The ingredients were all in place.  Fresh half-and-half, premium fresh ground beans from Kona, an old-fashioned Pavoni machine, and the perfect latte cup donated by one of my favorite Italian restaurants.  There was no doubt in my mind on how things were going to work. 
 
Everything fell into place.  The last step came as the espresso flowed into the steamed milk, creating a smiling face with two dark eyes.  The smell was fantastic.  I could sense the warmth flowing from the cup.  I was so ready for this experience!
 
Whitney stopped to look.  “This looks so ugly as compared to the ones I see in at Starbucks.”
 
“It might, but it tastes better.”
 
“I don’t know.”
 
“I do.”
 
I hear this conversation replayed across generations, ideas, and subjects.  One party can see something greater than the obvious.  They know.  They have confidence in their knowledge.  They see the inside.  The other party is dealing with what they know.  It may not be complete, but it is a reasonable conclusion.  Regardless of the reasons, it is a singular answer.  Facts are in, however incomplete, a judgment is made.  Both parties believe they “know”.
 
Many believe they know God, Divinity, and Truth.  I do not see the point in beginning with a challenge to the logic of how they have reached their conclusions; it is either open or predetermined.  The primary question is one of experiential facts.  Have they seen the whole story?  Have they experienced compassion, community, and compassion?  Do they carry the knowledge of the Spirit in action?
 
I didn’t argue with Whitney.  I did reach, enjoy, and savor the experience.  I find things do not need to stop with the cup.  It is “true, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God's Word stands firm and forever.”  (Isaiah 40.8)  You and I can act with compassion, live in community, and walk in love.  Other will know God by our choices and actions.