Holy Unexpected!

As a loud and proud Atheist, color me surprised when I agreed to meet an old friend for coffee at a church and enjoyed it.  This was an accident to be sure and it doesn’t change my belief of a divine intervention.  It was just a coffee date and that should be the last time I find myself that close to a holy building for a long time. The accident I mention?  Well, my friend lives and works in the Santa Clarita area, Boss was joining us, and I’m on the other end of the north/south valley so I let my friend recommend a place.  I agreed blindly and after looking up her suggestion, I texted Boss and asked if I'd be allowed on the property.  I was nervous but Boss and I carpooled so I knew I was safe.  She’s on the good list, if there is one.
Pillars at the Shepherd of the Hills church in Porter Ranch (known as Shepherd Church) is an independent coffee shop that is run by the paid staff from the church.  Other than the small gift shop/bookstore, that’s where the religious ties end.  Unlike Christian-run companies like In N Out, there isn’t Psalms on the paper wrappers and cups, nor are they closed on Sunday’s like Hobby Lobby or Chick-fil-A.  Sunday is probably their busiest day and they hold regular cafe hours with free church parking.  I hadn’t been to that church since Easter service while it was still being constructed.  But even as a kid, you do what you have to do to make Aunt Lillian happy which included essentially a girls trip with my sisters, mom, and grandma to see the new church.  I was impressed with the upgrades that they had done like the huge parking structure, beautiful brick exterior, suspiciously bold green landscaping, and the addition of the cafe with outdoor seating, firepit, and a serene aura.
While ordering I tend to ask for staff picks to get a real feel of a place.  I was informed that all the pastries are freshly baked and they looked as though posed for a Food Network magazine shoot.  Smooth jazz played softly in the air and images of happy families were flashed across a tv screen while my crew and I got settled on the worn but clean living room setting.  Once our orders were up, we each got something different and shared bites and sips.  My latte was strong but smooth with perfect foam and piping hot.  The vegetarian whole wheat wrap (sans spinach) and the light vinaigrette on the side salad was superb!  I was genuinely blown away by the quality and flavor of everything we ate.
We ended up spending many hours there catching up.  The sunset came and cast an, I hate that I’m using this word but it’s true, angelic haze in the wall sized windows behind where we sat.  I think the atmosphere was extremely important for our emotional playback.  I learned a lot about my friend that day.  We hadn’t been super close when we worked together but she always brought the Disney magic and was a perfect fit at our store.  In the years since we no longer worked together, we continued to stay in touch on social media.  I watched her grow as a Product Ambassador for several small businesses, traveling, being an educator, and as a mom, but as she recanted her most personal and difficult times with Boss and I while still maintaining her humor, princess poise, and her sparkling smile I was in awe of her headstrong strength seemingly unbreakable character.  She was powerful, an inspiration, and a hero in my eyes.  The two people I had coffee with that day have a spiritual side and I think being where we were set the tone for me to sit back and absorb their personalities and passions.  We were never interrupted (other than to clear plates) and I noticed we weren’t the only ones taking our time.  It was a very comfortable space.
As I praise this place and recommend you try it for yourself, I’m not sure I will be back.  It was a wonderful experience and top-notch tastings, but I feel like a phony being there.  I’m sure it’s my own perceived view but I think they can see the soles of my sandals sizzling as I crossed the parking lot and it wasn’t a hot day, if you feel me.  I’ve been borderline Anti-theist in the past but I’m truly trying to bring a level of understanding on the whole topic.  I’ve done my homework so I’m not speaking without trying the whole scene out first but I stand by my (lack of) beliefs.  I’m always happy to have a level-headed chat about it, so feel free to email me on the subject and see if you gain a new view or teach me something.