Farewell, Elemenz Cafe

If you live in Kandern (and maybe even if you don't!), you undoubtedly know how much I enjoy Elemenz Cafe.  I first heard of Elemenz on the eve of 2012, a few months after its opening.  How had it taken me months to discover this place?!  Its tasty bagel sandwiches and flavored coffee drinks soon became staples, and the flickering candlelight set the stage for many meaningful moments.

My mentor, Candy, and I savored Latte Macchiatos while talking about life.  Sometimes I'd slip away from school for a few precious minutes of alone time during my afternoon prep period to draw or journal.  My roommates and I had a favorite table by the window, where we would chat over a meal or catch up on grading.  I sampled "hot berries" ice cream and "Miss Chocoholic" muffins with my high school small group girls.  At Elemenz, I deepened friendships and even formed new ones, including a friendship with the cafe manager and her roommate.  (Shout-out to Melina and Ramona, who have inspired me with their passion for serving Jesus!)  This week when the shortcut road to Elemenz was closed, I even took the long way around to get to my favorite cafe.

You can see why the announcement of Elemenz's closing rocked my world. 

Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration.  But saying farewell to my favorite cafe has caused me to reflect.  You see, Elemenz has become more than a place to eat...

"Das Leben Lieben.  Love Life."  The cafe motto reminds me that Jesus came to give me abundant life (John 10:10)!  Even more, He has given me eternal life and has called me to love Him with all my heart (Matthew 22:37).

The call to hospitality.  I loved being able to connect with other people at Elemenz.  A meal at Elemenz almost guaranteed a long conversation, too.  Yet my calling to "show hospitality" is not contingent upon whether the cafe remains open (1 Peter 4:9).  I know that I can continue to connect with others, perhaps in new ways, by opening my own home and heart.

The warm, inviting atmosphere.  I frequented Elemenz not because of its great food, but because I could feel at "home" in its comfortable seats.  I think it's important to have places like this that feel safe and secure.  However, even when I am way out of my comfort zone and far beyond the familiar, the arms of my Father provide an even greater warmth.  There is an open invitation to just come, and He will give rest (Matthew 11:28).  And this is the only place that we can truly feel "home" forever (Hebrews 11:13-16).

So, as Elemenz closes its doors to the public today, it is a bittersweet farewell.  No more Apple Pie Lattes or Cranberry Turkey sandwiches.  Although I'll miss this cozy cafe, I am thankful for the wonderful meals and conversations I've enjoyed there.  Even more importantly, I resolve to remember these lessons which have seeped into my soul over the past year and a half.  Thanks, Jesus, for Elemenz.