A LESSON LEARNED IN A COFFEE SHOP

I am always amazed at the opportunities we have to be an example for Christ. Sometimes they are very easy to recognize, but often they slip up on us without warning.

Such is also true with the way people impact our lives. You can find faith, hope, and love in the most unusual places—even a coffee shop.

Last week I planned an afternoon of writing, and I chose a local coffee shop as my “inspiration.” Little did I know that I was in for more than an afternoon of writing.

As I was standing in line to order my coffee, the lady in front of me was engaged in a phone conversation. I wasn’t paying attention to her, except that I noticed how attractive she looked. She was modestly dressed and looked like a professional.

When her turn came, she had ended her phone conversation and placed her order. I stepped up to the cashier to give my order; when I finished, the girl told me the lady in front of me had paid for my coffee.

The lady was still standing there, and I thanked her. She looked very sad, and this is what she told me. “Yesterday someone stole my car. I have always heard that when something bad happens to you, you should do something good for someone. It will make you feel better. Please accept my offer, and pass it along to someone else.”

I expressed my sympathy for what had happened and told her I hoped they could find her car. She told me they had already found it, and it had been completely destroyed. She said, “But everything will be alright.”

I again told her how sorry I was for such a terrible experience, and then came the opportunity. She put her hand on my shoulder and asked, “Do you pray in person?” I said, “Yes I do.” Then she said, “pray for Donna. I’m really struggling.”

I assured her that I would, and I have. Donna is somewhere out there, still hurting, still struggling, and needing prayers. She has given me an opportunity to pray for a stranger. It is my privilege.

I think about all the people we see on a daily basis. We tend to look at the outside and give no thought to the difficulties they may be facing in their lives. We work with them; we go through their line at the grocery or pharmacy; we meet them on the street; we see them in the line at the local coffee shop; and we even sit beside them in worship.

I am convinced we need to think of ourselves, each one of us, as the only hope “someone” has. There was likely someone in your path last week that could have used an encouraging word, a listening ear, or an offer for prayer. There will likely be someone this week.

Paul told the Galatians, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:2-10 ESV).

So, will you take a minute and pray for Donna? Pray for strength and courage in a difficult situation. And while you are praying, pray for yourself that you will see your opportunities this week and respond to them. I’ll be doing the same, but I’ll also be looking for someone to pay for their coffee, or buy their lunch, or offer a helping hand in some way. I have a debt to pay to Donna.

Sandra Oliver