The Happy Place

In a conversation this week, a dear one shared that when she’s having a rough time, her spouse knows how to help: a fluffy coffee treat. Even in the worst of times, the offer of a chai latte brings her to a happy place.

Happy places are important; they bring us out of whatever turmoil we may be feeling. We know they don’t have magical powers, they don’t dissolve pain or make turmoil evaporate.

But they do ground us, bring back happy memories, and remind us that whatever challenges we are going through, there is still goodness in the world.

Finding a happy place is deeply individual, as we journey through life in our own unique ways. They can be a thing, a sensory experience, a place – whatever will speak to our heart of the love that we need, when we need it. The chai latte brings the warmth of aroma and taste, and those convey the happiness of being known and cared for by the people who will bring their listening ears and open hearts and shoulders to be cried on along with the beverage. A paddle in a canoe is the physical exertion and the communing with nature and the memories of countless friends on countless adventures – a cloud of witnesses along for the ride, as it were. A cherished memento brings a visual and tactile connection that can span time and space – and realms, even.

Our happy ‘place’ is always a gift; as a constant and consistent assurance of love in the world.
And of course, as people of faith, we know that all gifts of love originate from the source of love. And we are not surprised that God wants us to be reminded of love and care and support; in fact we recognise the work of God through the actions of God’s people.

So sometimes, a latte can be almost sacramental: a happy place that is an expression of love from God.