Much More Than a Cup of Coffee
I have discovered that I can learn a lot by just listening. I have also learned that I can learn valuable things in unusual circumstances and from all kinds of people.
All of that (and more) came together during a recent trip. Donna and I were returning from a lectureship. We had heard some wonderful lessons and had some great conversations with some of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. During the same trip, we also got to spend some time with a part of our family. We enjoyed all of that a great deal.
On the “home stretch” of our trip, I decided to make a stop at a combination gas station/convenience store. As I was paying for a cup of coffee, I had what started out as a casual conversation with the man behind the counter. What happened during that conversation was much more than a “run of the mill” interaction. “Small talk” quickly turned to something quite different.
We began by asking each other how we were doing. Somewhere during those “pleasantries,” the conversation took a turn that is still having an impact on me.
The man whose name I do not know and who I probably will never meet again on this side of eternity said something that I hope that I will long remember. The “CliffNotes” version of what he said at first caught my attention. It went something like this:
“If you wake up in the morning, you’ ve got a chance to make it.”
Before I really had a chance to absorb that, he added something that I hope that I will never forget. This is not the short version of what he said. This is it word-for-word:
“Somebody’s crying somewhere.”
Those words are still ringing in my ears. While I was doing something as mundane as paying for a cup of coffee, there was a real possibility (probability) that all kinds of people were going through all kinds of traumatic and life-changing experiences. While I was having a casual conversation, others were hearing things from which they would have difficulty recovering (news of the loss of a loved one, a disturbing medical report, a termination of employment, etc.). While I was planning to “go on with my day,” others were experiencing their last day (or hours or minutes). While I was smiling and joking, somebody somewhere was crying uncontrollably.
I am thankful for the interaction I had that day. I am hoping that it will help me to view every day as a blessing and as an opportunity to help others.
I got much more than a cup of coffee that day. I got the chance to look at my life somewhat differently.
I hope that I will take advantage of that opportunity. I’m also hoping that you will as well if you need to.
AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
