The Coffee Shop Hop
Hey Siestas!
Oh my word. It seems like it’s been a lifetime since I’ve talked to you girls. I wish I had tons of stuff to catch you all up on but I really don’t because all I do is read. Well, I go to class as well, but mostly I read. And I coffee shop hop. And you are thinking to yourself, “What is coffee shop hopping?” Let me briefly explain this phenomenon, though those of you in school will doubtless know of what I speak. It goes like this: In the morning one spends two to three hours at coffee shop number one. In the afternoon one spends two to three hours at coffee shop number two. And if it is a really crazy day, one spends as many evening hours as needed at coffee shop number three. Now yesterday was a three stop coffee shop hop day. [Say that ten times fast.] I was feeling a little defeated before the day began with all I had to do but it ended up being a delightful day. In the end, I realized I had found sketches of beauty in my mundane schedule. It went something like this:
Stop number one: Early in the morning I was at a modest little breakfast place ironically called “Sweet Melissa’s” getting my sacred first cup of coffee for the day. Sitting right next to me was a guy about my age with his grandfather who was so clearly ecstatic about going out on the town for breakfast. You could see it all over his face and not to mention he was dressed for an outlandish soiree at Gatsby’s mansion. As I gazed down at my book I pondered their sweet conversation. It didn’t take long for tears to well up in my eyes and make their way on to my page because I knew in my heart that this brief breakfast hour was the hour that one bow tie-clad man had been looking forward to all week long.
Stop number two: Mid-afternoon I made my way to San Francisco coffee and I noticed a Mom in her mid-thirties sitting at a table with her six-year-old son; she with coffee in hand and he with hot chocolate. I was amazed by their whole conversation. She was asking him all about his day at school. Questions about his new teacher and the students in his class. At times he would talk too loudly, stutter, or mispronounce various words but she never interrupted him or corrected him. Not even once. She just listened to him. Didn’t even look up from him or care about the rest of us in the room. They sat at that little table just talking and communicating for a solid hour. It was stunning. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything like it. I don’t know why it hit me so hard but I thought to myself, “I want to be like her when I grow up. She’s just cool.”
Stop number three: My third and final stop was at Starbucks. What can I say? I save the best for last. I was sitting in the corner of the store where I could not really see anyone else except a long line of people in my side view. A few minutes into my study I heard the Barista announce, “Hey pretty lady! Sit down, sit down...I’ll bring you some coffee!” I was kind of annoyed with the Barista thinking to myself, “Since when do the Baristas at Starbucks wait on tables when there are ten people waiting in line for their coffee?” So, I turned around to see who this woman was who was getting all this special attention, and to my surprise she was at least ninety years old. Then I watched in awe as this twenty-year-old Barista with spiky black hair and more piercings than I could count walk away from his counter where he had at least ten beverages to make put his arms gently around this frail woman. About twenty minutes later I saw them say good-bye to one another with beaming smiles and genuine affection. These two folks had very little in common yet it was clear they had formed a unique friendship.
I know these seem like small and silly gestures but in a world where it feels like people are too busy to interact with one another, these little things speak volumes to me. Sometimes I ponder the evil in us and among us and I wonder in my heart how the Lord does not look down from His holy hill and utterly destroy us all. Do you ever think that? Maybe it's just me. Well, anyway...the point here is that other times I watch folks open their hearts and love other people, even complete strangers, and I think to myself, “Maybe these are reasons He doesn’t.” I don’t know. What I do know is that these three seemingly mundane interactions deposited a dose of hope in my heart. I just sat there in my chair at the end of the day and sipped those moments like one sips a hot Pumpkin Spice Latte with extra Whipped Cream. And let me tell you, they warmed this cold and cynical soul of mine.
Can you remember a time when you were touched by a simple human interaction? It doesn’t have to be newsworthy.
Love Triumphs,
Melissa
posted by Melissa @ 3:26 PM
245 Comments
245 Comments:
A couple years ago, I was shopping at Walmart close to Christmas and an older man in a motorized cart stopped close to me. All he had in his basket was a baby doll. It was the cheapest one on the shelf. I just stood there in the makeup isle crying because I knew he gave a very special little girl to him the best thing he could afford. How touching his gift to her was to me. I am crying just thinking about it!
Too many to count I think.
If I just open my eyes I think I will find these kind of moments every day... I sure hope to be an active participant in these moments as well.
Thanks for sharing.
My neighbor offered to let my son (who adores him, btw :) help him plant tomato plants this past summer. It was a special time...I blogged about it and added a few pics here (it's at the bottom of the post):
http://womanlearning.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-weekend.html
That was an exciting project for my son - especially since his mom kills everything she tries to grow! :) - and he loved every second of it!
A woman in the airport who stooped down to brush an elderly gentleman's hair.
Melissa,
First off, Yay for Pumkin Spice Lattes! Woo Hoo!
Second, I was just pondering this very morning, why God does not just flick our sick planet out of orbit and out of sight. Why does he deal w/ all this mess, day after day? Put up w/ so much sin and sorrow and recklessness? All the yuck we wallow in decade after decade...I don't understand it. I am undone, confused and awed by his unconditional love and endless grace. Whoa.
I loved your stories today, little sparkles on a bleak canvas. When I get to witness those sparkles myself, they make me want to be more, do better, love harder. I think those sparkles, (and the crazy love God has for his creation!) is what keeps him from giving up on us! Yay God. Thanks so much for not ditching me!
Help me be a sparkle too!
I can. Mine was yesterday. My husband and I have recently received news that would (without our God) be cause for great financial worry.
He also came down with some kind of stomach bug earlier this week, so I stopped by the local grocery store to see if I could get something to soothe his digestive system. I found a box of tea with great ingredients -- but it was $10. A sales associate came along and asked if he could help, and when I described the bug he pointed to a cheaper box with the same ingredients (plus a few more).
Then I watched, stunned, as he took a marker out of his apron and drew a line over the barcode. "This one's on me," he said, "and if you happen to come in next week, let me know how it went."
"Every good and perfect gift" is from God... and I'm floored that He would take the time to let me know He remembers us.
I love todays blog, it is so nice to see that there is still a compasion for others and what was really neat was to hear you talk about it and how it affected you. You truly are a beautiful young lady Melissa.
I do remember a time about 4 years ago during the holidays, I parked my car in front of JC Penny's at the mall. I did my shopping and came out to get in my car and could not, for the life of me, find it. I was starting to panic a little and was praying to God to please show me where the car was. I was so sure that I came out the same door that I came in through (you have to do this when you get older!)but no car, even the parking lot looked the same. I kept hitting the alarm button and no noise, I must have looked horrified because a little old lady (I say old, 70 something to my 40 something)came up to me and asked if I was okay, she had been watching me from afar in her car. I told her my situation and she was so kind and sweet, she did not make me feel foolish, just calmed me down and even offered to drive me around the huge parking lot to look for my car. I thanked her for her kindness and said that if I didn't find it soon that would take her up on it. I took a deep breath and walked back in the store and came out a different door and behold my car was right where I left it! I drove around the lot for a few minutes to find her and let her know all was well, but she was gone. All I could do was pray that the Lord would bless this precious woman and thanked him for sending a beautiful angel to me when I needed her most.
Geneva
Loyalton, CA
I am a people watcher too. We travel quite a bit with my husband's job(lucky me gets to go too) so we eat out a lot and I go to laundry mats in different towns. Always God sends someone to me. There are so many lonely people in the world that sit by themselves at restaurants and I always meet a senior who has lost a spouse at the laundry mat. I wish we would all just look around when we are out and say hello. You never know what angel you may be visiting with!!
Melissa, you have a gift my dear. The gift of painting with words. I remember reading your posts from India and thinking, "This is amazing writing!". I still think it! Thank you for sharing little glimpses of life through your eyes. Isn't it wonderful how we can be encouraged by simple acts of kindness. I am so thankful for the grace of God! That when he looks at me he sees Christ instead of all my YUCK! Praise Him!
(Write more often if you can. We Siestas miss you!)
First of all, the PSL is my Starbucks drink of choice. You have excellent taste, Melissa. :-)
I'll tell you what gets me every time...elderly couples who walk hand in hand and still adore each other as much as they did 60 years earlier when they made their marriage vows. So beautiful.
All I can think of now is how to get my next PSL...yum.
Last Saturday, I attended the funeral of a very dear friend of mine. His name is Clarence. He and his wife Dorothy Jean came to 3 or 4 of the first BM studies I facilitated many years ago. Clarence was a P.O.W. from WWII. During his funeral, 5 WWII P.O.W's from the local VFW walked slowly up the aisle, in their uniforms, with military medals clinking... and gave Clarence the Final Salute.
Thank You, Jesus, for this brave man who, for the first time ever, opened up during the Bible study 10 years ago and shared about his prisoner of war experiences... how he felt safe enough among his brothers and sisters in Christ to put his head down on the table and weep. Thank You, Jesus, that today he is no longer old and feeble, but dancing on streets of gold! Thank you for saving him in WWII and for saving his soul!
LOVE the conversations. Yes! I frequently think that we should all be "crispy critters"--the Lord is so gracious.
My "awww" moments came from sitting across the table at Red Lobster with my friends' little girl who calls me Aunt Sarah...she said (in 2.5 yr old speak)--"you come my house Aunt Sawa?" I said "no baby, I can't come to your house." She said "you go church?" (that's what I told her last week when she asked me "you stay at my house tonight" and I said I had to go home so I could go to church in the morning). Very clever that she remembered that a week later!
Her parents are teaching this beautiful tiny girl about truth, too. She is a very pretty thing--blonde hair and the prettiest, brightest blue eyes you've ever seen--and 2 dimples. When the lady at the restuarant told her "aren't you pretty with your dimples" she smiled really cheesy to show them off! Then her Mama (for whom I was maid of honor) said "B, where does true beauty come from?" Little girl said "dum da hawt" (from the heart). I LOVE that they are teaching this child, who will likely hear all of her life how pretty she is, that real beauty comes from within. Those of us (unlike yourself, Melissa, or Amanda, or Beth!) that have NEVER been called pretty can really appreciate the beauty of teaching your 2.5 yr old where beauty originates! So that's my story. :) God is good!
And bless your heart for all that reading! Just last weekend I cleaned out some books and notes from DTS and remember how I felt like all I ever did was read...and occasionally write! Thanks for your post...have a great weekend! :)
This week at the gym where I work out (actually, it's a health club) there was an elderly couple together. He was finished with his workout and walked over toward her, where she was determinedly riding a stationery bike. I thought he was waiting for her to dismount so they could leave. I happen to know that his first wife died many years ago and this second beautiful wife is very dear to him. Then I noticed that he was patiently unfolding a walker and placing it so that she could dismount very carefully and grab the walker. He walked very slowly with her toward another machine and held the walker while she worked on it. They went on like that through the gym and left smiling at one another. How precious!
I had a long term subbing position in an Atlanta area middle school once; my clientele was not so swank, you might say. I was their 6th teacher in January, so there were some rough days before much progress was seen. When their own teacher was finally healthy enough to come back, they presented me with a shabbily wrapped gift they had pooled their money for. It was a cow creamer (of all things!) and the most precious gift EVER.
I work for the airlines here in Missoula, MT, and I have to say I completely agree with being astounded at how evil we can be. You often see the worst of others in airports, and the worst of yourself. We've had several canceled and delayed flights recently, which stretches everyone's patience to the snapping point, and much more often than not, I get the brunt of people's nastiness.
Last week, in the midst of working a flight delayed by several hours, a woman came up to me and said, "I just wanted to tell you that I think you're doing an excellent job, and I want to get your name so I can tell somebody about you." And then she then proceeded to buy my blueberry muffin and orange juice. I was so astounded at her kindness, that she took the time out of her day, when she was the one inconvenienced and set back, to say and do something so kind.
Kindness matters A WHOLE LOT.
The other day a stranger made eye contact with me, walked across the entire store, past others, to hand me a coupon she couldn't use. She smiled at me and walked away. She has no idea the day I was having and how such a simple act could remind me that God Himself sees me.
I work with our church's free medical/dental clinic. Always so many needs there and we try to show and tell the love of Christ to all who come through our doors. One of the greatest needs (second to their need for Jesus) is in the dental area. Sadly, this is where we have to limit the number of patients. The patients line up early and wait for hours. We work on a first come basis. Sometimes because of the work that has had to be done on patients ahead of them there are 3 or 4 who end up not getting to see a dentist. They are told of that possibility when they sign up if they are at the end of the line. I end up having to be the one who has to give them the bad news, as gently as I can. Not a fun thing to do. Recently when I gave the bad news to those waiting, there was a woman in tears, hurting badly, who was one of the ones that wouldn't be seen that night. Oh, the blessings to follow when a man stood up and said "she can take my place. I'm not hurting. I can wait until next month." Then another gave up his place after waiting for hours to someone who needed it more. Talk about seeing the Lord at work!! These little moments make it all worthwhile.
I've started to make it a practice to open my eyes to interactions around me, after I had an experience similar to your barista story. When I make it a point to notice, I'm usually overwhelmed by human goodness and generosity and, indeed, it gives me a shot of hope.
AND...I have to wonder if SOS was watching your mom in that airport, brushing that old man's hair!
I am a third grade public school teacher. About three weeks ago I had a bad cold/cough. I felt like dirt but I was still trying to teach. I was explaining the math lesson when I had a coughing fit. One of my students, who receives special education services, ran back to my desk and grabbed my Sonic cup of iced tea. He brought it to me and told me to take a big drink. Then he asked me if he was in trouble because he got out of his seat without raising his hand! Once I stopped coughing I assured him that he was NOT in trouble because he was helping me to stop coughing.
Last week I assigned my students to write about a time they had helped someone or someone had helped them. This same little boy was upset because he couldn't think of anything to write about. When I reminded him of what he had done for me, the look on his face was priceless. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and "being dumb," so this was a big deal for him.
I'll confess. The grocery store is my least favorite place, and I often tackle the chore with far less grace and enthusiasm than I should. Such was the case about a month ago. As I trudged down the baking aisle - who has time for baking, but we were out of sugar for making the necessary Texas sweet tea - I almost plowed right into the basket of a precious older man. When I hurriedly looked up to apologize for the near mishap, I saw the saddest face. I quickly flashed him my big goofy grin - dimples and all - said howdy and how sorry I was for almost crashing into him. He didn't reply, but just trudged on down the aisle. Humpf! I thought. I took a few more steps, reached down for the sugar, and as I raised back up, the little man was standing back at my basket with a smile on his face. He said, "Honey, I want you to know this has been one of the roughest days of my life, but your sweet smile just made it okay. I think I can make it through the rest of the day now." I impulsively gave him a big hug and told him I sure hoped so. Wow. Lesson learned in a great big way! So thankful God gives us those gentle reminders to love at all times - even in the dreaded grocery store!
Melissa, your stories warmed my heart!
Yes, Monday night during our revival there were several people around the altar and one little 6 year old boy came up to another little boy who was about 8 and laid his hands on him and those two boys prayed for each other and then hugged. It was a perfect picture of what I think David & Johnathan would have looked like at those ages.
It is so interesting that you wrote that. I just finished a series about World War 1, in which one of the characters is an Anglican priest. He is constantly being challenged inwardly ,and outwardly, about the notion of God in the midst of horror and carnage. How can God exists if THIS is happening??!! Is a questions asked over and over.
Ultimately, the character sees God in the small things. Specifically, acts of caring for another human being ,just as you have seen. A soldier sharing his rations, a joke shared, really listening to another, holding another's hand as they die, writing a letter on behalf another, acts of bravery for another- I guess at the heart of it- being unselfish. Being Christlike.
Sometimes I think we are so busy looking for happiness that we miss the stinking point. Happiness, satisfaction, and true contentment doesn't come from our circumstances - but from looking outward.
My little boy (who has a very difficult time with social interaction) last Sunday at church leaned over to a little boy and whispered, "Will you be my friend?" The sweet little boy smiled and whispered back, "yes!"
Last year, while my oldest daughter was in school and my middle daughter was in preschool, I would take my youngest to gymnastics. She was not quite 2 years old at the time. Thanks to having 3 daughters, I also had several teeny little leotards for her to wear - so each week was like a new fashion show to her. Now, if you think a 2 year old, in the smallest leotard you have EVER seen, isn't the cutest thing on earth, then you are mistaken. Anyway, after gymnastics each week, we went to the grocery store (shopping with 1 kid as opposed to 3 - AMEN). This also happened to be the time when the retirement home nearby would bring their residents in the mini-bus to do their shopping. Now picture it. About a dozen little precious elderly people, and the cutest 2 year old in a exceptionally tiny leotard. They HIT IT OFF. She would laugh with them and show them her flips and her "ta-da's" (yes, in the aisles of Publix) and they would clap and touch her hand and give her "surprises" out of their purses - which usually was peppermint candy. They adored her. And she adored them. It MADE MY WEEK to go to the store during this time. As we were leaving each day, most of them had already gotten back on their mini-bus, so we would walk beside the windows of the bus and wave and say "see ooo nex eek!" to them.
I loved it. I think they did, too.
Melissa,
What a sweet post! Made me all teary eyed and also hopeful. Those are 3 lovely stories.
I also have to give a shout out to Kim Safina. I laughed when I read about the Pumpkin Spice Latte because I know she loves that in the "Ber" months.
I teach a lady's Sunday School class at my church. Several of the ladies are single moms who struggle to make ends meet. We are praying and believing for 3 of them to land a job real soon.
Anyway, one of the faithful ones who works for the church was having some financial difficulties. Her landlord is a member of the church and gives her a nice deal on rent. However, after school began she was strapped for cash and asked if she could pay rent minus $150 and tack it on the next month.
The next month rolled around and she had rent but not the $150 extra. BEFORE she could even tell him that she would be short the full amount, he called her on the phone to let her know that the debt was forgiven and not to worry about it. On top of all of that, he told her THANK YOU for being such a good tenant!!
God is so amazing! He works through ordinary folks just like you and me.
Thanks for your post, Melissa. It sounds like you had a week similar to mine. I don't normally comment (stalker blogger), but I could very much relate to your post. I just starter a new job teaching college students at a local college; mainly students that are trying to go back to college and pick up a degree, but are lacking in reading and English skills. I had them stand up and introduce themselves this week, and I could have cried when they all finished. They shared about how much going back to schools means to them, and how they want to succeed, because they want a better life for their children and themselves. Most of them are working "dead-end" jobs, with very little pay, but the courage that they are taking by stepping out of their comfort zone to go back to school, just made me admire all of them.
This blog warmed my cold heart today. God wants us to know he hasn't left us. He's on it! Thank you for reminding me.
The first one that popped into my mind was many years ago when I went to watch a high school volleyball game. Just because of one particular player whom I loved. After the very tense game, this particular player, whom I loved, ran as hard as she could across the court, leaped into the stands, and plopped her sweaty self right down in my lap to give me a hug. :) remember Lis? I love you. Great post - I totally love your writing.
I work at a bank and there is a very nice cowboy man who takes his very elderly neighbor in and then sits far away as to give the older gentleman privacy with his banking busness. Then when he is finished he comes over and lets the old man chat with the customer service rep and helps him home. I asked him once if they were related and he said " No , but he is my niegbor and I noticed he needs help sometimes."
Definitely can remember one, as it was just recently. A couple of weeks ago I was helping to move my grandparents into their new place. My Grandma, who is in the arly stages of Alzheimers started to head out of their apartment in her pj's after she had already gone to bed and we thought she was asleep. Watching my Grandpa just very gently put his arms around her and ask her where she was going, and then proceed to assure her that all was OK and this was now home and everything she needed was there.
I haven't had the privilege of spending much time with these grandparents as until 2 weeks ago they have lived a two days drive away, and so it's been a few years since I've seen any interactions with them. I was just blown away by the depth of love my Grandpa has for my Grandma. Even though it's difficult at times, he wants to continue to care for her for as long as he possibly can (something which is easier now that they live near family). It was so sweet to see my Grandpa caring for his wife of over 60 years in such a way.
I teach middle school. And everything one thinks she knows about middle school is probably true, in many instances.
But, today during class one student took the time, and had the presence of mind, to comment about the student she has been working with: she simply paused to say that she has learned so much and feels so fortunate to be working with such a good student. Her remark was so sincere. And it definitely made the "good student's" day.
Even in a public middle school there are gems of human interaction worth noticing!
I just listened to Jerry Root on the Kindlings Muse tell a story about a disabled boy who really wanted to join a boy's baseball game. His dad was sure they would turn him down when he asked. But they said he could, and when it came time for him to bat both team worked together to allow him to hit the ball and make a big home run. He was thrilled.
The story is great, but I liked Jerry Root's application too (which your post reminded me of). When people wonder why God allows imperfections like birth defects, he responds that the perfection comes in others' opportunities to act, like those boys playing baseball--and your Barista. Sometimes among all the evil we see glimpses of how God wants us to be.
The woman holding her sleeping baby in her arms at Deeper Still ;waving her hand and tears streaming from her face that she wanted to accept Jesus into her heart, it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
I was also at a Starbucks working on something church related when I noticed about 5 high school boys show up and sit at the table right outside the window I was facing.
A couple of them lurched into the store, like only young teen boys can, being loud and somewhat annoying. I watched one of the boys left at the table tip his Dorito bag into his mouth to get the last crumb out as his buddies came back out of Starbucks with their muy grande frozen drinks.
They were laughing and cutting up and I was grateful that they were outside and I was inside feeling somewhat holier than thou. About 5 min later I looked out the window to see each of them with a Bible opened on the table and their heads bowed in prayer.
I was so moved.......ashamed at my quick to judge response. Thrilled to see teen boys unabashedly spend time with God. I quickly changed my initial "I hope my boys never act like that" to "Lord, I pray my boys will also take every advantage to spend time with You".
I then took a subtle picture of them sitting there with my phone and keep it on there as a reminder.
I love, love, love moments like that......nothing better in the world than observing other humans doing life!
Yes,I have interacted with someone @ the grocery store just yesterday. A women said "Excuse me?" I turned around and thought maybe she needed help.I think she was just lonely. She talked to me for 20 min about Patrick Swayze and she hadn't known he had died. Sometimes people just need you to stop and listen! WWJD?
In Him
Angela
I work at a Children's Hospital and I was walking down the hall and looked into a room as I walked by..a girl about 14 years old who had lost all of her hair to cancer looked out at me and gave me the most beautiful smile. She had every reason not to smile but there was such hope and brightness that radiated from her face. It brings tears to my eyes still today. Mary
What a special post. I was touched because I look at the world in this way. I was glad to hear that there
is someone else out there who looks, sees, and feels.
Thank you!
Love,
Michele Denman
Ohhh, girl. Great post. I fondly remember my coffee shop hopping days. I graduated only a couple of years ago - but since then I've gotten married and had 2 babies :) Now my coffee shop trips are very few and far between. When I grow up - I want to be like that 6 year olds Mom. Dude, that's awesome.
Reading this makes me think about a sweet elderly couple I see walking down the road ever once in a while when I'm driving around town. We haven't lived here long - its a tiny town with nothing to do. I'm a city girl who married a farm boy that wanted to live "out" a bit - so one day I was loathing the fact that I live in a small town with nothing to do and as I'm driving I see this sweet couple. They look to be in their 80's or 90's. They slowly walk down the road - hand in hand. Every time I see them they are holding hands. It's touching :)
Thanks for sharing :)
Have a great weekend,
Kate :)
Your post warmed this cold, cynical soul of mine. Thank you, thank you.
Last summer I needed to mail certified documents as soon as possible. I also needed every spare moment to finish my master's thesis around caring for my precious five month old baby.
I decided to put her in the Bjorn and walk to a local posting store rather than go all the way to post office.
It was hotter than I thought. The baby was heavier than I thought. I was more anxious than I realized that I had to send these documents. It was a defeated walk.
I waited in line for several minutes. While waiting, I overheard the conversation of man who was paying off a large debt by money order. Something was holding things up, so while he talked on the phone, the clerk helped those of us in line.
When it was finally my turn, I was dismayed to hear the price to mail my package. Because I had walked, I had only grabbed a ten dollar bill. I didn't have any option but to return later. I told the woman I would have to come back.
As I turned to leave, the man waiting to do the money order heard me and asked, "How much is the difference? I'll pay for it."
I told him. I was in disbelief that a stranger would pay the difference. It wasn't pennies. It wasn't "just" a few dollars.
I paid and watched as he put down the difference. I thanked him and walked home in amazement.
I know he was paying off thousands of dollars of debt and what I added to his tab wasn't much in comparison, but it spoke to me.
He felt better, lighter perhaps, for shedding the burden of debt, and his response was generous compassion on me. I'll never forget the feeling.
Melissa - You are a writer. You see the world with a writer's eyes and think about things with a writer's mind. When shall we expect your first book? I loved every bit of that.
Thank you for reminding this cynical and hard-hearted woman that all people aren't bad - and that I need to make the choice to be a blessing to others every day. Lord, please use me to be a blessing to others in even the smallest of ways for Your glory.
Oh Melissa! Thank you for sharing that today. I too am in school and I feel like all I do is study. I must say that I wasn't expecting the realization of "busy-ness" at the end... that seems to consume our lives if we let it.
May we always take the time to slow down for loved ones and strangers that may need the attention.
Thanks girl!
Every Sunday morning I sit in the same general section of our church. And every Sunday morning this elderly couple are sitting a row or two in front of me.
They look to be in their 80s and seem to have the sweetest relationship. They are always holding hands during the service and smiling at each other like they have a special secret that only they know. He is the perfect gentleman always extending his hand to her to help her up or down or to lead her out of the church after the service.
I know what you mean by I want to be just like them when I grow up.
That was awesome, thanks for sharing.
That is the beauty of life! That is why I always prefer sitting in a coffee shop to sitting in front of a TV. What a beautiful day!
Last Tuesday night we had a funeral( Praise and worship ) service for my uncle Charlie. Just as the family was seated on the front row for the service to begin. His grandaughter who is a special needs child got up and walked to the casket and stood with her back to us and was looking at her papaw. Her mom got up to get her to be seated but she would not, she just stood there and begin singing Amazing Grace. (She can hear a gospel song and remember the words to it.)She sang all the verses raised her hand in the air and you could have heard a pin drop. It was such a spirit filled time. When she was finished she turned around and the whole sacantauary burst out in applause.
She was unaware of anything except being with her papaw and singing to him. Great is His faithfullness!
Oh, those are the moments that make us realize their is hope left for humanity, aren't they? Sometimes, I'm the impatient mother who needs to pay attention to my 7-year-old (closest thing I have to a 6-year-old. Sniff, sniff!) And the young person who needs to take time to visit with an elderly person in my busy day. Sometimes I am the cranky, selfish individual who makes me wonder why God puts up with us. And sometimes I am the attentive mother that couldn't care less about anyone else in the room. Very rarely. It's a wonder my children are halfway sane, but sometimes. I wish it was more often. And by the way, I now really want a spicy pumpkin latte with extra whipped cream. I've never actually had one, but I think I'm going to have to try one Monday morning after my kids head off to school.
Aw, man, Melissa. Those stories are beautiful.
Amen sister! I'm an avid people watcher. I love to watch people intact or not. I get furious when mommy's have darling children in there carts but do they talk to them noooooooo they are to busy talking on their cellphone.So sad someday they will want their children to talk to them but it will be to late.
Liz H
Yesterday was my nephew Hunter's 11th birthday. His Mom and Dad surprised him and ate lunch with him at his school. I thought that was just great. They are the greatest parents! And what is even greater is that Hunter thinks so, too.
Mmmmmmmmmmm! The tastes of Fall!!
My best friend detailed an encounter she had with a lovely elderly woman who was having a medical test around the same time as hers was scheduled. The center was running several hours behind, and as it was getting late in the afternoon, and they had back-to-back appointments, my friend offered to give up her place so the lady would be able to get on the road before dark. The center worked everything out without changing appointments, but the lady and especially the center staff were astounded at her willingness to forego her own appointment. When they asked why she did it, she said, "I had to." Pressed to elaborate, she said, "because I'm a Christian, and it's the right thing to do." Now you know one of the many reasons why she's my best friend!
Wonderfully, sweet insight. Great post.
This was exactly what I needed to close off the week. I know I watch too much T.V., and I need to turn it off more. But, last night I just couldn't help but watch the train wreck! Jon & Kate / David Letterman....my goodness it is just plain crazy!
Thanks for this little snapshot. I know this was God's blessing to you and to us. I know that some people are living right, they DO have their priorities in order and it encourages me to keep mine in order as well.
Noel
:-)
Yuma, AZ
Yay for coffee shop hops! My second semester at college, my mom was taking to get my parking permit across from the coffee cart when the lady who worked there struck up a friendly conversation with me. My mom was a little worried about how well she seemed to know me. Hey, I had classes at 8 AM; I NEEDED coffee!
You're not the only one who wonders why God doesn't just wipe us all off this planet. I frequently wonder the same thing. I guess I need to accept more of God's perfect love so that I can see things the way He does. One time that I was deeply touched by a simple human interaction happened one morning at church. I had been going to this church for a few months by myself. I'm painfully shy and had never gone to youth group before, though I had thought about going to this one. I kept letting fear get in the way. Then one day, a woman at my church who cares very much about the youth sat next to me. After the service, she stopped me and took some time to learn a little bit about me and introduce me to the youth pastor. I've been going to youth group ever since, and God has done amazing things in my life because this woman cared about the lonely college student next to her.
Here in NW Atlanta, since the devastating floods, a group of believers have "adopted" a small subdivision, lending helping hands, washing mud-caked dishes, and tearing out stinky drywall. Tomorrow we'll have a picnic for the still hard-working residents & volunteers; cooking dogs, burgers & ribs on borrowed/donated grills & with a wide array of homemade side dishes and desserts. They'll be no talk of denominations or political views, we're all "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight". Jesus loves them and so do we. Maybe not the "simple" act you asked for, but simply beautiful.
Hey Melissa! I've been seeing them all over this week--giving, loving, and caring people just pouring out the love of Jesus on one another.
Also? And this is the kind that thrills my soul! I have seen the hand of God moving in three of the situations of the week, almost like He'd leaned in close to me and said, "Watch this!" He's so cool!!
Specifically, on Tues morn Bible study I saw a young woman I barely knew, and she'd previously shared her heart with me about her family not having health insurance. I knew I needed to ask her about it, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember it that morning. Later in the day, the teacher sent out a phone list and I remembered. I called her to let her know I'd been praying and to inquire how her situation was. She was encouraged and thankful for my call and prayers. The next day, she both called and emailed me to say, "He did it! It's a miracle! God gave our entire family insurance. Thank you for your prayers."
Those are the kinds of things that just increase faith all around. Mine, hers and everyone we tell.
I was home sick today, so I didn't get to witness too much social interactions...but my 3 year old said to his gran today "I'm so glad you are here"..completely unprompted and so sweet.
Just a couple hours ago I was zooming through a grocery store - trying to get home in time to whip up some cinnamon rolls before school was out (I was pretending to be Super Mom) - when I realized, Duh, I'm out of flour. So I dashed to the store and by the time I got there, my mental list included seven items. I was tearing around and almost, in my extreme haste, drove my cart straight into a father who was kindly pushing his cart - carrying not only groceries, but his darling two year old daughter as well. He had every right to be miffed with me for just about running him over - but instead he smiled graciously and begged my pardon. My pardon? Are you kidding me? I should have been imploring his.
And so, no, even though my fingers lacked holding onto the Pumpkin Latte that Starbucks has been relentlessly promoting (and which I have so far miraculously avoided) - I was stilled warmed through and through by this man's gracious, kind manner.
Thanks for the opportunity to re-think simple kindnesses.
Warm in Alaska.
Recently came to a screeching halt on a busy street as cars were braking in front of me. Why? A lady had hopped out of her car to help a mama goose (followed by her 6 baby geese, with papa goose bringing up the rear) cross the busy road. Traffic stopped on both sides for this to be accomplished, and it took a few minutes to get them all safely across. Many observers rolled down their windows ... not to yell at her to hurry, but to cheer! Honks, smiles, waves ... it was awesome. And it was rush hour :)
Im a 2nd grade teacher and my kids are awesome. I LOVE my job!!! Today a dad missed a scheduled conference about his son. He called later on a apologized over and over (his eye was going foggy and turns out he had a tumor or something in it). He was truly sorry and thanked me for all the work I do for his son as his teacher. So nice to hear those words from time to time!
A year ago I was attending a childhood friend's mother's funeral. In attendance at the graveside service was a former high-profile college basketball player who is a longtime friend of my friend's husband. Naturally several people couldn't help but steal glances his way wondering, I'm sure, "is that really him?"
After the funeral one of my friend's sons was very emotional at having lost his beloved grandmother. Before anyone else could move to comfort him, I see a gentleman, no less than seven feet tall, hurrying over to the young man. Getting down on one knee he took the young man in his arms and let him cry on his enormous shoulder. Oblivious to anyone around him, this former college and professional basketball player had only one goal - to comfort a child with a broken heart. I had always admired this particular player, and after last year he will always be someone who, for me, embodies the phrase "class act."
I teach high school math. Several years ago, there was a very quiet boy, kind of different from most of the other students, who sat in the back of the room and rarely said anything. One day when I asked a question, he raised his hand, and I called on him, hoping that I had done the right thing. He talked so quietly that I had to walk toward him to make sure that I understood what he said. When I indicated that he had answered correctly, the students in the class respectfully applauded. That kind of moment just doesn't happen too much with high school juniors and seniors.
Melissa,
Last year I had the privilege to help with Special Olympics. Here is a link to the blog I posted about it. I promise, you will cry.
http://terriinalabama.blogspot.com/2008/10/counting-my-blessings.html
Thanks for reminding us of the things that are important. A couple of years ago my husband and I were getting gas in our vehicle and the attendant commented on how much he liked my husbands watch. It was a brand new beautiful watch. This young man was a teenager, he was very well mannered and meek. After we paid for our gas, my husband asked me if I thought it would be okay if he gave the young man his new watch. It had been his birthday present from me. When he stepped out of the car to deliver the watch to the young man I just started bawling. It was the sweetest thing, and the young man was stunned and so thankful. I think God was smiling that day too, Melissa. It makes me cry just remembering it.
What a great post to brighten our days!
Sure did need it. My last day as at work was Wednesday. Came home to two very sick babies (well, they are 7 and 4, but will always be my babies ;-).
At Deeper Still/Orlando, Kay said that as we approach the end times, things will get really good (paraphrase). God's spirit will be poured out.
I've known that scripture for a long time...prayed it up many times...but never thought how God's spirit would impact our day-to-day life.
Perhaps, the more we see "God moments" the more reminders we have of the urgency to share Christ with others at every opportunity.
Until ALL Have Heard,
Susan
Sweet Melissa,
You cannot imagine how much I needed to see your post tonight. After an extremely nerve-wracking ten days of dealing with difficult people at my workplace, my cynical heart needed to be reminded that there still are kind people in the world. And also to be reminded that it is not necessarily the huge things but the tiniest of things that can make the biggest difference to others.
Thank you for sharing your coffee shop vignettes - they were beautiful.
And lastly, your blog was a much-needed reminder of Hebrews 13:2 "Be not forgetful to show hospitality to strangers for some thereby have entertained angels unawares."
Oh Melissa! You are NOT cynical by any stretch of the imagination!!! I LOVE these little "encounters" or little "glimpses" into the unique humanity of us all!! My sister-in-law and I "blubber" over these things all the time. We just seem to notice them wherever we are. Most of the time it is when we are out to lunch and even in church!! The prayer and the holding of hands by an elderly couple in a busy restaurant, the "look" between young and in love couples, also one time; I think it was Memorial Day our family went to the cemetary to decorate our familys' graves and there about 100 yards away was an older man, on his knees, sobbing his heart out!!! We all left that place in tears (the adults anyway). It gave us an opportune time to explain to the youngins' about grief and showing your feelings. I thank the Lord all the time for glimpses and peeks into "life"!!! Thank you, Lord!
Melissa,
Thank you for the opportunity to share our stories. It's so awesome to see how a simple smile, opening a door for a stranger, or a hug can make someones day.
We have a granddaughter who is 15 now but even as a toddler, she was always happy! She sailed through elementary school w/many friends. Only half of the kids from her school went on to the same Middle School. The first day of MS for her was frightening. It took her almost 3 months to adjust and make new friends. We went through headaches, upset stomachs, and lots of tears!
Her 7th grade year was totally opposite!! Three days before school started she called a girl who had been on her summer basketball team that would be going to her same school, but in the 6th grade. Ashley asked her to ask another new 6th grade friend to go to the movie with her to introduce them to some 7th graders so she wouldn't feel so alone on the first day of school! Ashley has been part of school leadership since then--even in high school. She said she never wanted another student, girl or guy to feel the way she did at school that year. She has a heart the size of Texas and loves everyone, but lives in California.
We go through our days not always knowing how our smile or lack there of might affect someone. I try to remember to acknowledge someone for their positive attitude and actions and minimize the negative!
I can't wait to read more! You Siestas are amazing women and I love sharing our lives this way.
Melissa, I just recently took a trip to Las Vegasv last week. On the way there I sat to this amazingly sweet younger couple. We got to talking and just hit it off. They shared there snacks with me, let me watch a movie with them on their DVD player, and she even let me share their ipod and listen to music. Human kindness at it's finest!!!! :)
Because I have lost my job, I've recently moved back to my college town from my home town (yeah I know ...I tend to do things backwards...take it up with God I'm still trying to figure it out) -anyway long story short- I have consequently just started going to a new church so I'll give you all the details I have...There's a well known and loved lady, who I don't know, who goes along with her husband when she can. I know she is battling cancer, he comes faithfully to church every week. Long story shorter (hey I'm trying here...just hang in here with me please) He prays for her like every Sunday and asks the congregation to join him, right? Well a couple of Sundays ago was one of the rare occasions where she was able to join him. He doted over her; never leaving her side; they held each other all through the service (I was in the balcony and had a birds eye view of them on the front row). Even now just remembering my heart aches, "I so want that." (Not the cancer mind you just the devotion to God and love and each other). But come to think of it one could probably go through cancer allot easier if they had a love like that to help them through. God is so awesome!
We had a death in family this past weekend. All of the family was gathered at our aunt's house (now a widow)for several days before the funeral, where people came to visit, etc. Two of my aunt's friends were there just about the whole time - serving, working, encouraging, etc. The same two friends had also stayed at the hospital with my aunt during our uncle's (now deceased) ICU stay. Their dedication, generosity and overall friendship were a blessing and an inspiration!
I'm a first grade teacher. My students can not always afford the specific school supplies they are asked to bring to school. I always buy extra during the summer when the supplies go on sale. I was unloading my basket at the checkout this summer when a couple behind me in line tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I was a teacher. When I replied yes, they asked if I was buying supplies for my students with my own money. When I told them I was, they handed me cash to cover the extra supplies. Blessings on them.
When I was in about the 5th or 6th grade, I'd watch an elderly couple from our block, take walks together. They were probably in their 80's or 90's. They always held hands as they walked. I knew then and there as a young girl that this was the kind of relationship that I wanted with my husband. I just turned 50 and he's almost 53, we've been married 31 years and we always hold hands. A special thanks to a couple who've long been with their Lord, Mr. and Mrs. McNair, for impressing this girl when she was just a girl.
Reading Amy's blog from October 2, 2009 4:15 PM reminded me of another one...today I had to go by the store to get some food for my kids who are up for the weekend (they live with their dad and this is the first time in a month I've been able to get them for my weekend -I live with my brother and his family-we have a FULL house even without mine.) -anyway- All I had to my name I was spending on the food for them this weekend right, I ended up being a couple of dollars short and that was after putting something back. The clerck took two dollars from her own pocket and told me to have a blessed day...when I told her I would pay her back as soon as I could she with a smile of love told me I would be able to and that it was her pleasure... *tear* Again, God is so AWESOME, yall.
Okay, I'm hormonal and crying all over myself about your stories and all the comments!
My 82 year old grandmother is visiting us now, and twice today I watched my can't-be-bothered-to-take-2-seconds-to-close-a-door-behind-her 6 year old daughter open her Gigi's car door, gently take her hand, help her out of the car, and walk as slowly as needed with her all the way into the house. Without anybody telling her to. Waterworks.
My 5 year old son at a play ground full of children walked right over to a child with down syndrome and played with him the whole time. His mother was brought to tears as she told my mother that the other mothers wouldn't let their children play with him. My son is now 8 and is often attracted to those with special needs, but it never seems like he even notices until he gets in the car and tells me that he thought that boy/girl was sick and he wanted to be nice to them. God has given him such a heart!!
I am so grateful for the knowledge of intense spiritual warfare Amanda and Beth shared with us earlier this week. So glad it's not just me...but then again, it never really is 'just me.' We're never alone, although the enemy lies and lies to get us to believe so. I am also grateful for the beautiful stories of hope. I have a 7 year old boy who just asked Jesus into his heart and was baptized this very week, and who has countless times held open doors for our entire family to walk through. We have a UPS man who always delivers packages with an enormous smile and joy. Our mail lady has given us extra coupon fliers for the local grocery stores before 'just because.' My husband is part of a team in Austria right now, serving a hundred pastors who are in training for the next two weeks. Each of them working 12 hours a day to bless these ministers. A friend who cooks meals for moms who've just had their babies.
When I'm faced with just how hard we are being attacked, it's good to bolster the spirits of the troops with good news of great triumphs. You are very right, love does triumph. Praise Jesus!
love,
Audrey
I had left a comment earlier, but this was just so sweet to me- as we drove onto the NPS campus this afternoon,we showed the guards our IDs at the gate, and the man peeked into the window and said, "Major and First Lady, have a good day..." It seems a little silly, but it was so wonderful to be the recipient of such kind words today...I only wish I had been wearing something fancier and riding in something other than a minivan!
My husband teaches new believers` classes and we were just talking this evening about his new class and how there is always such a mix of people (ages, personalities, and intelligence levels). We were recalling a class of several years ago, where we had a mentally challenged man, who couldn`t read. He had originally showed up at our church looking for financial help. As he received this help, he also was counselled about Jesus and ended up receiving Him as Saviour. He was determined to serve Jesus and not "that other guy." so was led into our class. The rest of the group were amazing with him. Whoever sat beside him would help him with extra little explanations on the side and point to the words on the pages of his Bible, so that he felt that he was reading himself. He became so comfortable as part of this group (about 10), that he ended up bringing his mother (Ma), brother and sister-in-law. They were all in similar category to him and needed the extra little helps. We chuckle at the remembrance of it, as my husband and I became somewhat involved with the family as time went on. It was a rare gift, we believe, because we had a taste of "street ministry" within the walls of our own church. And it was neat to see how our mixed bag class, to begin with, reached out to these unusual people.
Thanks for the opportunity to share about a special season. Lord, give us more such opportunities and may we be faithful to recognize them as coming from you and quick to meet the need.
I just had one this week; while listening to our local christian radio station, the dj told a story of a local 10 yr old boy who had had all his fishing gear stolen right our of his garage, then she asked if anyone in the listening audience would like to help replace his stolen items. My 9 yr old DS, pipes up, "I want to give him some of my Rappalas, I don't need them all" and procedes to go to his tackle box to sort through his things. This was especially meaningful to me because he had just used a gift card of his own to buy some new lures. Since my husband has been looking for FT work for 8 months we haven't bought many new things, I was thrilled with my sons generosity towards this other boy even during our own hardship. It's so nice to know we're cultivating a giving spirit even when we've had to sacrifice so much this past year. I couldn't have been more proud of him!
My husband and I were driving into work one morning and we saw a police officer pull a lady over as we were stopped at a red light. We watched as he approached the car, really feeling bad for the lady. He then proceeded to shut the gasoline cap that was flapping and walk over to the window and wish her a good day and then walk back to his car. It made me feel so good inside to see his kindness.
It's funny you should ask that...Today, well, tonight as a matter of fact.
I had been to "Wally World" to do the first round of grocery shopping-with 3 of my children (I have 5 total-I just had the little ones this time) anywoo..It was a madhouse-people bumping carts, etc. By the end of the visit and after a screaming child, countless questions for this and that-I had had it.
I dropped them off to hubby and demanded to attend the next grocery shopping experience ALONE.
I do all my shopping, still a bit frantic trying to remember everything and get to the register.
The bagger is an elderly gentleman and starts up a conversation "Are you ok?"
I reply "I guess, just exhausted. Glad to have a break from the 5 kiddos"
He replies "You know, you have your plate full, but they are a blessing and it looks to me like you are a good mom, coming out here to shop this time of night"
I laugh. He says "God bless you. Take care of yourself. Take some time to do that"
I about lost it. I needed to hear that. Thanks, Leon-My favorite Kroger baggerman!
Oh Melissa I def know what you are talking about coffee shop hopping...I was just telling my friend tonight that Panera sounded like a study place I hadn't been to in a while :-D Cause studying at home is oh so boring!
last year i had to walk my son into the front office on his first day of 1st grade to complete some undone registration paperwork.
we sat and waited patiently on a bench as a whirlwind of people came in and out.
i noticed a little boy walk in (probably 7 or 8) not dressed very nice, and walk over to one of the ladies that worked there. i could see her bend down to listen intently to him and then watched her point him over to the phone.
he made a call (most likely to a parent, he had forgotten his lunch) and he quickly put the phone down with a despondent look on his face.
the office assistant asked him what they said and he shook his head no.
she then walks over to her purse, takes lunch money out of her own wallet, and hands it to him.
she leaned in and told him "You, my dear, are going to have a wonderful first day of school." And she smiled and gave him a big hug.
I was so moved by her gesture. No one else saw it or heard it but me.
(because i'm nosy like that)
what a beautiful moment!
so grateful to this particular woman and all the other women who love on our children all day at school.
(esp. in our public schools:)
thanks for sharing your stories with us melissa. i've had a rough few days and i feel inspired and hopeful.
it is good to remember to be on the lookout for beauty every day.
Just a few weeks after my dear Daddy passed away, I sat in a waiting room in a nearby town while my husband had his first colonoscopy. While I waited, two women came in with their Dad, for his procedure. I watched them giggle and tease their Dad, while he teased them back. Tears were streaming down my face as I felt such lonliness for my own Dad, who had so often been accompanied by myself and my sisters to his Dr. visits.
After awhile, I watched closer, and sure enough, I thought I might know this family. It kept nagging at me, so I finally got up and walked over to ask - and sure enough, it was the people I knew, but had not seen for many, many years. Long story short, the two daughters used to babysit for my own children! Since that random encounter, my husband retired his teaching position, and the older daughter, who had been one of my husband's favorite students over 20 years ago, applied for and was hired to replace my husband in that same classroom.
If we had not spoken that day, and if I had not learned that this former student was now teaching the very same subject my husband taught for all those years, she may never have been the one to replace him
We have all marveled at the way God worked, starting with me, who was sitting there that day, feeling such sorrow for missing my Daddy.
OH how your story just blessed my socks off! Thank you Melissa for sharing in such a beautiful and candid way. I always look forward to your posts. As a mom with a 4 and 2 year old, I really appreciated how you described with such eloquence the mom and son's conversation. What a lesson for me and one I will consider today when interacting with my two sweet ones. You are a blessing and I pray for you to thrive and flourish in your new school! Cindy
Fantastic murals, Melissa!
I love it when God gives me glimpses of this world from His perspective. Seeing all the beauty He is perfecting in each one of us... it is such an awe-inspiring treat!
I work at an assisted living residency and I love simply sitting and listening to my residents talk. Oh the evenings I have spent with a plain old cup of joe, a couch, a comfy chair, and a beautiful resident of 90 or so years. But one of my favorites was a couple months ago, when we had an accordion band come in. (Yes, you read that right, but Norwegians enjoy the stuff.) And I, being a 20 something, was standing in the corner. Out of the blue, one of my men (being in his mid 80's) and asked me to dance. He took me to the front of the room and danced with me as though it had been a dream of his to do so. Not only was I given a moment to see things from our Lord sweet perspective, but I was also allowed to participate in it.
Thank You Jesus... Thank You.
~Katharos
I love this post, brought joyful tears to my eyes!
I loved this post Melissa!
I must be hormonal this morning because I have tears rolling down my checks.
Beautifully written - this reminds me of a book I am reading right now about loving people extravagently entitled "Brave Hearts". Thanks for sharing.
Oh how beautiful to encounter moments like that.....angels unaware.
Thanks for sharing..it blessed my heart.
It sounds like God planned a field trip for you today. You bless by sharing with us what He showed you!
Thank you for sharing those tender moments...beautiful. I genuinely try to show kindness to everyone, to be a smiling face in their day. However, when things get especially hectic, however, I often lose that sweetness and get "in the zone." Nearly always, that's when the Lord stops me in my tracks with something like this. Never fails to humble me.
My favorite such moment was at the grocery store. We had people coming over (youth leaders, no less) and I was rushing around like a crazy woman trying to pick up needed items and get home to do a little more cleaning before everyone arrived. As I got through the check out line, and approached the door, there was a back up of people with their carts. I'm sure it was only a moment or two, but it felt like eternity. I felt a surge of anger. I was thinking "Come on! what in the world!?!" We were all barely moving. Suddenly as the carts in front of me parted, I saw it. The most precious elderly couple. The husband holding a bag in one hand, and holding tight the hand of his sweet little wife with the other. They took the tiniest steps and were apparently admiring the lovely sunset. The love radiating from these two was breathtaking. Nearly brought me to my knees. I didn't stop thinking about it for days. What a precious gift he gave me in those two.
Thanks for allowing us to share.
Just this past Wednesday, my sister and I were visiting my 90 year old Aunt on her Birthday in the nursing home. One of the ladies on staff is a speech theraprist, and I ran into her, as I was bringing in a basket full of goodies. My original plan was to call the head of the Cafeteria and order two more lunches for my sis and I to join my Aunt for lunch. When I called to make my order early that morning, the kind lady said, "Is this for Helen's Birthday?" I replied in the affirmative and was surprized that she would know. This kind lady said, "You know, Helen gets cafeteria food every day. Why don't you fix her a homemade salad luncheon, bring different choices for her, she would love that!" Duh...Why of course! Why didn't I think of that?
I went right to work and made a savory potatoe salad, a delicious salmon pasta salad, and an Italian vegetable salad, watermelon cubes and a cheese ball with crackers. I decided I would put in china, silver, special Birthday napkins and also made a beautiful rose arrangement in a small teapot for effect. Then I went to the bakery and found the most darling mini- birthday cake that is made to provide just 4 servings.
When we got to the nursing home, the speech therapist met me, and she brought in linens for her bedside table and brought in table and chairs for my sister and I and Aunt Helens special day. If it hadn't of been for the love and care they demonstrated for Aunt Helen, we would have just eaten pitiful cafeteria food, and I would have missed "the heart" of the matter. When it came time for the cutting of the mini-cake, the staff came in lead by the speech therapist, and all sang a beautiful chorus of Happy Birthday....with many tears. It was a birthday I will never forget, and it taught me much.
God bless Comfort Care Home and their truly caring staff!
Melissa, you are all heart...thanks for the opportunity to share the difference it makes when someone is lead by their heart.
Hugs,
Pam H.
Buena Park, CA
I was just thinking a couple of days ago that we haven't heard from you in a while.
I'm so thankful God blessed you with such uplifting conversations/acts of kindness throughout your day. I actually had the opposite experience in the doctor's office on Thursday. A father not very patient with his little boy (after the man's laptop dropped on the floor....which he blamed on the little boy), a lady with an elderly parent (perhaps) who seemed totally put-out having to be there with her mother who had apologized for her (daughter) having to take off work to bring her. So, it was good to hear your uplifting stories!
I'm so sensitive to those kinds of things. Any little sweet thing can make my eyes water.
I appreciate your very sweet post Melissa.
Thanks for taking time to share.
WOW! What an insightful way to start my Saturday...convictions looms in my spirit as I look at how busy I am and I little time I spend connecting with those around me. Thank you for the reminder! I hope when God looks at me and when others come into contact with me that they will see Jesus with skin on. I know they don't see it near enough...going to make a conscious effort to connect today...
It is amazing what we see through our spiritual eyes. Simple human interaction sightings is such a blessing!! I had a simple interaction with my 12 year old
7th grade son. We went out to eat. Just the two of us. I allowed him to just be him. No napkin in his lap. He plopped it up on the table. He texted his friends. Ordered what he wanted including dessert!! We laughed, ate great food and chatted the time away. It was wonderful. After a week of tense moments regarding school work, the Lord blessed us with this simple little interaction. Thank you Jesus!
This past Thursday, I was standing in line at the 'lost luggage" counter of Maputo International Airport. My very tired husband had been gone from home for a month and enroute from Wichita, Kansas to Maputo for 36 hours. He had every right to be grumpy about lost luggage. We listened as person after person bombarded the poor lady at the counter like it was her personal fault that their luggage was missing. When my husband got to the counter, he greeted her kindly, joked with her and made her laugh and thanked her for her help. I was reminded once again what a special and unique man he is.(the fact that he brought me yummy smelling body wash and yummy tasking dehydrated blueberries won him brownie points as well)!
Coffee Shop Hop sounds like a lot of caffeine to me! Anytime my kids do something that reflects how loving and innocent they are makes me love God even more for the gift he has given us.
Melissa,
That truly warmed my heart of this cold Ohio morning. I love stories like that.
Two come to mind most recently:
1. I have not yet been blessed with children of my own or biological neices and nephews. A close cousin has two children and so I just refer to them as my neice and nephew. Well, my dad really wants grandchildren. He's willing to wait, but he's get impatient(God love him, he's so cute!). Thankfully my cousins children are a good substitute. It's so wonderful to watch him interact with them and play with them and love on them.
2. My grandparents spend 7 months of the year in Florida and the rest here is Ohio. The time spent here can get lonely for them. Recently they went and bought two little puppies. It's the most wonderful thing to see them play and interact. My 85 year old grandfather is just sick over these two. I love it!(Seriously though, my grandmother, God love her, puts perfume on these dogs.)
Thank you for sharing that with us today!
Blessings,
Hannah
I am in tears reading these tender comments ... whoa! May I stop the marathon through life and choose to be still ... for I know God, and He cares deeply for all His precious children. Lord, I want to be like you and bring honor to your name. Thanks for loving me, so I can love others like you do.
One month a year, our church is in charge of hosting the Sunday afternoon church service at our local nursing home in rural Idaho. The beautiful scenes play through my memory from year to year....a simple hug, a touch on the hand, a little old lady that wants to visit with you about her past instead of listening to the sermon, someone helping a little old man turn the pages of his hymnal. It is rare that I am not deeply touched by something I see at these services.
Yes, Melissa. Indeed love triumphs.
A friend and I were just discussing this very thing just this week. That God allows calamaties and why do we think here in the U.S. that He won't destory us as we've gotten so far away from Him.
Meeting a Siesta last week for the first time, wow...GOD IS GOOD.
I have been the recipient of such kindness...just a couple days ago. I walked into Chick-fil-A, after not being in the store for months. I was eating lunch with friends, when a manager walked up and handed me a little bag with a card and CD in it. I opened it and could feel tears brimming in my eyes. Karen, a lady who had been nameless to me before this very moment had written and dropped this card off in June. She communicated through written word that the Lord had provided such comfort in her heart when her mom was about to go and be with the Lord. This precious Karen lost her mom in May. I closed the card and was in awe of the Lord's graciousness to allow me to see Him work in this lady's life. It amazed me that in Karen's deepest places of sorrow, she took time to reach out to me! Wow!
It is now 5 months since I had a moment to interact in the drive through at Chick-fil-A with Karen. I remember it well. I was at the end of my shift when she pulled up and I asked her how her day was. She looked sad, but said she didn't want to talk about it. I asked her if a brownie would make it better. She said, no. I gave her her food and said, "I put a brownie in the bag hoping it will at least taste good to you." She thanked me and began crying. (The Lord put a shield around us for about a minute. No one drove up behind her and none of my co workers were near me in the drive through.) She burst out with, "My mom is dieing. I know she will be with the Lord..." I said, "Can I pray for you?" She said yes. I leaned my whole body out the drive through window and lifted this sweet woman up to the Lord, not knowing what to pray, trusting the Spirit to intercede. He truly did!
Karen took time and thought to bless me and share what the LORD has done in her heart. Praise You Lord! I am thankful for this woman I have had the privilege of seeing for one minute of my life. He has used her to increase my faith.
This past summer I had taken my daughters on a road trip to get away for the day.
We stopped at a local diner for a late breakfast. Not very busy as they were getting ready to close but we were never rushed. It was delicious down to the chocolate chips on my daughter's pancakes. When it was time to go I had my daughter go up and pay and I asked her to get change for one of the bills to leave a tip. She is 9 and felt 'big' to go up and do this on her own.
Well when she came back, she had forgotten to get change. It wasn't that big of a deal. We had a great relaxing meal and I just decided to leave a bit more than I would have anyway. For the bill it was generous but not for the over all service.
(Since I have spent much of my earlier life working for tips I have never forgotten what it's like to be on that side of the table.)
Off we went to walk around town. It must have been an hour or so later as we were walking that I saw this woman and man cross the street and head right towards us. I had no idea who they were. The woman grabbed both of my hands and squeezed them as she thanked me. I then realized it was our waitress. She said, Oh you don't know the day I was having and you really made my day. Thank you so much.
And off she went.
I have to say my eyes welled with tears. To have her come thank me for something I didn't even give much thought to. I am a believer in random acts of kindness, but this was such an affirmation again to me that we as we go around in life we really never have any idea as to the impact we have on others.
And to say I was touched by this simple human interaction; her sincere going out of her way to say thank you....is an understatement.
Michelle in VT
ps. I had no idea what a Barista was/is. I had to go look it up...:) I kept thinking Barrister but I know that wasn't right...LOL Lack of knowledge due to lack of coffee houses nearby.
I guess I have a cynical heart as well, because this post brought me to tears, not an ugly cry or anything, but just tears that I don't always see these good interactions maybe because I am too focused on the negative that surrounds us. Thanks for sharing.
Ok...that brought tears to my eyes...but I so enjoyed that reminder of the positive people out there.
BRAVO!!! What encouragement, what inspiration, to all, to go out and show human kindness even in its simplest form, it is a beautiful, monumental way to show the love of Christ. Spread the love!!! ALL PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!
Maybe a year or so ago I was in another part of the country for a conference. It had been a tiring day. I stopped at a gas station to get a Slurpee (a favorite treat). Anyway, at the cashiers the lid popped of and slurpee was everywhere. The lady behind the counter was grace itself - she calmly wiped off my cup, refitted the lid, gave me a wet wipe for my hands and then wiped off her counter. All with a lovely smile and words of consolation.
It was a glimpse of God's love. Praise Him!
Good to hear from you Melissa!
Sister Lynn
This was a letter I penned to My grandfather only months before he went home to be with our Lord.
To My Papa,
I hope you enjoyed your 90th birthday party as much as I did. I sat and pondered, in awe, the five generations represented there. Beginning with you, a great man.
Our family is pretty much in tact despite the staggering rate of divorce in this country. Commitment is one thing we learned from you. The time in your young life that Nanny strayed somewhat from the commitment, but you fought and forgave for your family, bearing a relationship that lasted well over fifty years.
Your dedication when Nanny was sick is another example of some of that “good stuff” you have passed along. Hardly ever leaving her side when she was bedridden for years, not even to go fishing, was a measure of devotion rarely seen these days.
When we were kids I can recall spending the night at your house. When it was time for bed you and Nanny would gather your grandkids to the den for bible study and prayer. You all prayed for everybody you knew by name and that list was quiet long. As we would get restless and our knees would ache from kneeling, we would quietly crawl down the hall to bed. I remember falling asleep to the sound of my grandparents praying. You gave us a love of God that is undying and I thank you.
You sustained us all for many years with your gardens. I could always find Nanny in the kitchen praising God and canning the vegetables that you grew and picked. The value of hard work, more “good stuff”.
I wish for you, my Papa, many more fishing days ahead and continued good health. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the “good stuff” you’ve passed down to my father; me and now that I can give to my sons. The legacy will grow and grow and the “good stuff will continue to multiply thanks to you, my papa.
Your Grateful Granddaughter,
Kristi
I miss him and my nanny so much---but I find my 48 year old self canning vegetables that my husband and I grow while praising God with the music blaring!
This reminds me to just ENJOY my husband and my children, like that sweet mom did with her son. Thanks, Melissa!
gen 18:32- i had to look it up but your comments reminded me of this SO much! Whew! what these "small and silly gestures" accomplish in the heavenlies!!!
Oh, what a sweet surprise. The whole post I thought I was reading your Mom's writing. :) Just this week we found out that my husband has to have another back surgery. This will be the 3rd in one year. Needless to say, my husband was devastated at the news. He has been in 24/7 excruciating pain since his last surgery in April. This past Thursday night, our 8 year old daughter, Alivia, took her hot pink CD player & went into the kitchen where my husband was talking on the phone. She waited for him to hang up and said, "Dad. I know you are in pain, but you have to forget about your pain for just one minute and just praise God. Listen to this Dad. Then she hit the play button and as I sat watching from the living room the tears flowed. There in the kitchen, instead of my husband feeling sad about the news, he had his arms raised, praising God along with our little girl. It was awesome. To know God will use an 8 year old to usher a family from a pity party into praise and worship is incredible to me.
The song she played for Gene is by Marvin Sapp called "Praise Him in Advance". If you have never heard it, I encourage you to do so..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1CIY7-YnGo
Yep. Yesterday, while waiting to
pick up my man from the airport, I people-watched (of course). One 10 year old lankly little boy in glasses started dancing (his whole body involved since often, as is the case for that age, he had started growing and dint know how to fully balance himself.) A van pulled up along the curb where he and his family stood waiting and out popped a Mom with two of her sweet little girls. My giggles a the spiky-haired awkward 10 year old son of the first Mom turned into a set of tears on the brink of splashing down onto the pavement.
The Mom's first raced to hug each other, with the kind of hug that covers over those unspoken emotions. The 2 sets of young girls bubbled over to hug one another and show off their newest school bookbags. The energetic little man youngster patiently waited for all of the women to cease their hugging, and then went around and softly hugged each one of them. When they were done, he attempted to help haul the bags in the back of the van.
It was simple, but just a "moment" for me. I wondered how long it had been since these two families saw each other. I wondered what had brought them together. Their depth of affection was obvious in their hugs. And I grinned again I've the foolish and unashamed demonstrative expression of one little young boy dancing with excitement to see someone he loved....they HAD to have felt the love he poured forth on that one!
I remember several years ago I was in my local grocery store and had an encounter. I had a preschooler bumbling in and out of the "truck" cart and an infant in the carrier at my end of the cart. I remember feeling frustrated that I was telling my oldest to sit still and stay in the cart, for what seemed like the hundredth time. It was at this moment an older lady came to me to tell me she's been watching me handle my kids and was impressed that I hadn't yelled. The truth was, I was screaming on the inside! I remember how thankful I was to God for sending that lady to encourage me... and at the right time too!
i was taking one of my nanny kids to swim lessons and we passed a wreck at our last stoplight before the pool. she (2 years old) immediately put her hands together and started praying. i could only make out a few words, "Jesus....they bonked....cars...crying...get better...help them...Jesus....AMEN."
...and i knew He heard every word :) ever since then every time she hears a siren of some sort, she asks me if somebody 'bonked' their cars and tells me we should pray.
oh i just remembered another one that happened at starbucks, actually. a few weeks ago, there were about 3 cars in front of me in the drive-through line. i was really excited because i had $5 in cash to pay for my drink (instead of charging it-it's the little things)...and while on the way, i happened to find a $10 bill stuck away somewhere in my car. when i pulled up to pay for my $4 something drink, the barista girl told me that the woman in front of me had paid for my drink. what?! (clearly didn't know her) she proceeded to explain that the woman in front of her had done the same thing, and the woman in front of her as well. there was no one behind me at the moment, so i selfishly was thinking "yay for my blessing, and i get to keep my money". the girl at the window said "yeah, i guess it's kind of a pay-if-forward sort of thing. you don't have to keep it going if you don't want to though...i won't tell." guilt. immediate. so i said no-way, i'll pay for the next customer...whose order happen to be 2 drinks totaling $9.72. so i used my $10 bill that i had just found while i heard a small whisper in my spirit-it's not your money anyways.
i was more blessed by 'losing' $5 to pay for an extra drink i had not ordered, than i was the fact that someone had bought my original drink because i gained a great reminder and perspective about that which has been given to me. it all belongs to God and is His to move around as He sees fit. the best part is driving away and looking in the rear view mirror to see the confusion and joy on the face of the person whose day you just blessed. that is priceless.
About a year ago, I had my gall bladder removed and was very sore for several weeks after the surgery. Consequently, I couldn't bend over enough to shave my legs. There was no way I was letting my husband do it. They know about shaving faces, not legs! So my best friend volunteered and not only shaved my legs once but TWICE during the ordeal. THAT is what you call a friend! It also reminds me that when people are in need, small things become big in a hurry.
My leg-shaving friend and I will see you in Memphis this weekend, Beth!
Yeah,this week and it was my own son and I was so selfish I almost missed it.
My son, Micah, is an amazing athlete and has played club ball soccer for a state championship team since he was five. We've travled the state on week-ends while he played soccer and Micah (maybe Mom too) got a lot of glory for doing it. It is his name you hear chanted the most on the side-line.
His grandfather, so proud of him, actually buys him the 200 dollar garish colored soccer shoes (think neon green, gold, and even pink--got to be manly to carry that off!).
So, off to High School and he joins the soccer team. He's immediately put on the varisty team as a freshman and becomes known as the Hat tricker, because he scores so many goals in a game.
Then, the football team says come kick for us. A freshman kicking 55yard field goals for a winning score on the varsity football team, and yes, in pink shoes. Oh the announcer had a field day with that.
So, here's my glorified son (and mom feeling way better than everyone else), with more attention than most of us will ever have. But the glory fades fast. Four games a week and I'm overwhelmed with work and home and I no longer care who gets what glory. I'm wiped. Two soccer games, one jv football and one varsity a week, and they are lousy teame at that. We only play on championship teams!
The High School soccer team is made up of kids who haven't been trained in soccer, no matter how much they love the game. They don't pass, they dont' set up, if they get the ball, they kick it away as quick as they can to clear it and generally right to the keeper. My husband and I have called it High School Kick Ball and honestly, I started thinking, why is he on this team? He's wasting his time and ours.
So, hateful mom has a fit. Too much going on for us to participate on these pathetic teams that can't win and you still have your club ball, so why are we doing this? Micah says nothing, just listens to me rant.
Wednesday morning comes and its another game and I'm complaining on the way to school (all in a nice mother voice, are you sure this is the right thing for you, honey????). Micah says nothing.
I drop him off at the car line in front of the school and there is Jose, a soccer player that looks like he should still be in the fifth grade. I hear him say to Micah, when Micah jumps out of the car, "Do you think we'll win tonight?" I'm thinking, are you kidding? They were playing a school whose team is comprised primarily of all Micah's club ball team players, it was going to be a slaughter.
Micah's response to Jose, "With you on the field man, they don't stand a chance." Jose beamed and they walked into the school laughing and talking. I realized that my son knew the truth of being a team player. It wasn't about him at all, it was about his team and the individual players on it. It wasn't about his glory, but the team's love of the game. Jose grinned all the way into the building, excited about that night's game and you know what? Micah was excited too.
I sat in the car and sobbed.
Hey girl!
I have missed you and loved getting caught up on what you've been up to. And love that you listen to other people's conversations a little in the midst of doing your homework. I do the same.
Thanks for the reminder to see the good around us as we stop to notice others.
Love you!
Joanne
P.S. I'm loving Esther. And, as I told Amanda the other day, thanks for all your hard work on it. It shows!
I believe He tarries so that no one should perish, so that all will come to Him and have eternal life.
Beautiful post. Your Mom must be glowing with pride.
I too love to people watch/listen and often find myself in tears and moved so deeply which is what yours and many of these shared stories did.
My favorite has always been and probably always will be your Mom brushing the older gentleman's hair and how appreciative that dear man was as he was going to visit with his wife. What a beautiful visual of how the Lord cares for each one of us. Blessing that sweet man, blessing your mom and in turn blessing all of us when we heard the story.
What an awesome God we serve!!!
God bless you as you work hard on your studies. Praying you will have some time to grace us all with more beautiful and thought-provoking posts.
Moms lovin' on their little ones...those get me all the time!
Thanks, Melissa, for reminding me to slow down and look for those sweet little moments in life!
Love,
Kristen
FIRST...I LOVE the Starbucks Barista story...I work at Starbucks and am super glad someone was such a shining example for what our company is about!
ALSO...I was touched when a man I am in small group with spent the day with my boyfriend's nephew...you see, the little boy's mom asked him who he wanted to come over and play that day, and he, being 6, wanted Tony to come over...When she called Tony and tried to give him a reason to say no, he told her he would LOVE to come play...they played in the yard for hours! SO COOL!
I have a dear friend who is 31 weeks pregnanat with a baby boy, Aiden. He has been diagnosed with trisomy 18 which (in the world's eyes) is a fatal condition. She has two older boys...one is 2 and the other is 5. At night when the five year old is saying his prayers they go something like this "dear Lord, please be with baby Aiden and please let him meet his mommy and daddy and play with his brothers, we love him"
oh, i can hardly type that without tears in my eyes! Surely we should come to Him as little children.
Please pray for this special family!
So many - but this one I did not actually see but heard about.
My daughter, who lives in Texas, was scheduled to have surgery on Monday, without me there. How could this happen? How would anybody know what to do without me there! I prayed that God would help her, show her how much I loved her and how much I wish I had been there by sending some of "my people" to be with her. Surgery went well. She slept most of the day Monday and when I talked to her on Tuesday she told me how amazing it was at all the Christians that worked in the Surgery Center. All they talked about was their churches, the Lord's work and praying! They may never know here what that meant,to a mom so far away, but one day they will.
Love Conquers All!
Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee
At my church we are reading through the Purpose Driven Life for a second time. Here is a quote from yesterday's reading:
"We are often challenged to do 'great things' for him out of loving obedience. They may be unnoticed by others, but God notices them and considers them acts of worship. Great opportunities may come once in a lifetime, but small opportunities surround us every day."
a pat on the back
a cup of water
a word of encouragement
He notices!
I had a rather traumatic labor and delivery with my firstborn. The nurse on shift, Michelle, had started at noon and was supposed to get off at 7pm. I had my son at 7:08, and at 8pm, Michelle was still there, making sure that I was ok, helping me breast feed, etc. The next day, I got a call in my recovery room and it was Michelle, calling from home, just checking to make sure I was doing ok. I will never forget her sweet kindness during my time of great stress.
First, I loved what Holly said: Help me to be a sparkle, too! Amen.
I have been overwhelmed by the power of gentleness, and gentle encouragement. I have a lovely friend who is so good at this. This week, I started lifting weights with her and her sister (please pray for me, as I need to lose about 100 pounds!) And I was so touched, and motivated by how kind they were in teaching me to use the machines and encouraging me. They know I need this. Her gentle "you can do it" goes a long way in making me feel like I can.
Being a new mom can be really lonely sometimes, and even the simplest of tasks are made more difficult because you have to juggle this other person, who comes with lots of gear...and mood swings. :) I can remember two recent instances when I was really touched by the kindness of strangers. I was in the grocery store with my baby daughter one day, and just as we were checking out the heavens opened and it began to POUR. People began to gather at the door, some hoping to wait it out, others gearing up to make a run for it. As I stood there waiting, two ladies (a mother and daughter) came up to me with looks of sympathy and offered to stay with my baby and groceries while I ran to my car. They seemed trustworthy, but I couldn't leave her with strangers so I thanked them and politely declined. A moment later, they came back and one said, "I know you probably don't want to leave your daughter with a stranger...I'd be happy to go and get your car for you." Again, I decided to decline and wait it out, and just a few minutes later the rain stopped completely and the sun came out, but I was so touched by their compassion. It made such an impact on me that they were willing to go out of their way to help me...made me feel that I wasn't alone.
On another occasion, I was on a long road trip without my husband, and stopped in a restaurant for lunch. I lugged my 1-yr-old and her diaper bag to the restroom and was changing her diaper, meanwhile wondering how I was going to use the bathroom myself with her in tow. Then a woman came in with two little ones of her own. I asked if she needed to use the changing table and she said no, but she asked if I wanted her to hold my daughter while I used the restroom. Hallelujah! I figured with two of her own, she was in no position to run off with mine, so I took her up on the offer. It was a little thing, but meant so much to me. I love it when someone anticipates your need because they've been there.
My Daddy is a teddy bear in grizzly bear skin. He looks tough - even acts tough - but is really just a sweetheart. One time on a summer vacation we had gone out of our way to go to an outlet mall so daddy could get some new work boots. Too many miles in the fields of Korea in ill fitting Army boots and too many years doing construction work had left his feet a mess so he needed the pricey boots and had saved up for months to get them (there were six of us kids, so saving up was tough). Two hours later we stopped at a rest stop for gas. Outside the station sat a man clearly down on his luck. While daddy gassed the van up, mom ran accross the street to get burgers for all. She handed daddy his and he walked into the station to pay. I watched out the window as he knelt down to talk to the man by the door. When he got up, just seconds later, that man was eating a burger. Daddy went in and payed and came out with a cup of coffee and an empty bag. He walked past the man toward the van, opened up the back door, put something in the bag and closed the door back up again. He walked back toward the store, handed the man the coffee and the bag, turned around got in the van and drove away without a word.
Later that day I overheard a conversation between him and my mom in which he explained to her why he no longer had his new boots.
All he said was "someone else needed them more than me".
What a welcome dose of hope!
A few weeks ago, I stopped to offer a man cool refreshment and a bit of conversation in the Houston heat. Larry, a worn Vietnam vet, offering back his life story, suddenly grasped my hand and pierced my soul; thanking me for caring enough to stop. The moment? An older black vet down on his "luck" grasping the hand of a very "comfortable" white woman, two strangers affected by the Vietnam war...two believers clinging to Hope... sharing a Holy moment that only the Father could arrange.
Those small touches of insight that hit us when we "see" the truth in action before us, those are the best. I loved this post. Not only did it send me to my coffee pot for some Gevalia spice and Pumpkin creamer!!! it warmed my heart and admonished me to look for the good--- again. Network news doesn't invite our perception of the good, the true, and the beautiful. You and your family do. It's that simple. And I wonder, too, if that one post happened to detail your mom when she combed that man's hair? It's possible! Love you!
such beautiful stories to share. I feel like I had a pumpkin spice latte.
To the first story - as one who never knew either grandfather and who just lost her uncle who stood in as grandfather - I wish I could go back in time when I was a teen/young 20-something (and lived just down the road from him) and take him out for a cup of coffee every week.
To the second story - as a mom of a 3 year old and 18 month old - I too want to be just like her when I grow up!
To the third story - as one who fights the battle of judging others - may I reach out to those I have nothing in common with and serve them with a open mind and heart and a smile that makes their day.
Thanks Melissa - you just made my dark Saturday afternoon!
Lord, open my eyes that I may see You in the mundane!
WOW, Melissa thank you for the excellent post; I, too, now have tears streaming down my face...
When you spoke of the affections between the grandfather and his grandson. It reminded me of a time when I was close to that age, and I used to do the exact same thing with my dear grandmother (the breakfast thing). We would also hit the coffee shop for coffee (Starbucks) as we cruised the mall. I had been really ill and needed to walk to gain my strength and bless my grandmother's heart she used to say:" I need to walk with someone; would you be able to do that with me." She would ask me, knowing deep down, that this grandmother of mine, was helping me out. She figured, if I thought I was helping her out, I was more likely to do it...And boy was she right!! She used to get all gussied up and there we would go...But I think it was me that beemed the brightest...I so admire her. She is gone now and I miss her like it crazy.
Yes, human interactions of love; is Jesus, in us, AT His very BEST!
Thanks for the post. Awesome!!
How is the studying and how are the classes going? I look forward to more updates. I am so in awe of the Moore women and their ability to divide, research and teach the word of God. How do you do it??;0)
May the Lord Bless All of you on this Blog !!
Doris - YT
The Journey Continues ~
HAPPY HARVEST BLESSINGS ~
I miss hearing from you!!
Thanks for catching me up on your life of studies,books, & coffee shop hops while viewing & feeling the spirit of the LORD as others come into your path and journey!
Mascara Mama Missin Melissa!!!
Kim
By the way ~
one more thing ~~
Dave took me to see "Purple Socks" in Las Vegas last weekend and he was fabulous!!
We celebrated Mike's 21st!!
Thought you might enjoy seeing the photos. you know how to check them out!!
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim
PS:
You had a day like Brandon Heath's: "Give me Your eyes" Kind of moment...HOW Very Cool Is that!!
D-YT
I can't tell you how much your story warmed my heart! We get so busy during the day that we become so impatient with everyone around us that we miss those "God moments". Thank you Melissa for taking noticing and sharing those with us! We should all learn from this and begin to take notice. Slow down our pace, and be Jesus to those around us!
The hair brush story touches my heart to this day. Only God could orchestrate something like that. Praise Him!
I was in a dressing room one day and heard a little girl tell her mom in the room next door, 'OH MOMMY you are BEAUTIFUL!". It brought a huge smile to my face because that little girl thought her mom was the most beautiful woman with her whole heart!
My eight-yr-old boy, just the other day. I was crabby, crabby, crabby that the boys weren't listening, were playing with the dog instead of washing up and brushing their teeth, and we were getting close to being late for school. After snapping at the younger one, he came out of the bathroom and said, "I'm sorry, Mama. I love you. You're the best mom in the world." So precious and very humbling.
Melissa,
Can I tell you a fun thing I have done recently? I have gone back through the posts of the LPM blog...the pictures, the lessons, the comments, even the praises. I would encourage others to have some inspiration and click back through "history". See Jackson grow up...see Annabeth grow up (yes, even several months of Annabeth growing up)...several sad moments where the Lord reigned gloriously...Amanda's anniversaries...Beth's anniversaries...Melissa's wedding and anniversary...several birthdays...holidays...LPM anniversary...well, the list goes on.
If you want a fun moment in your day, go back through this blog and see some history...amazing!!!
Janet
You have NO idea!!! I was at a conference this weekend....and God BROKE me. It was raining when we arrived on Thursday and people came to our car with umbrellas, and then they wiped off the water bottles and pop cans so that they would not be wet in our hands...and they called us by our names and they smiled at us...and we left...they cheered for us. And they just LOVED on us and God BROKE me.
Melana
Melissa, thanks.
I do see kind gestures in unlikely places, and it cheers my heart so much.
God bless you and Colin,
"Carol from Carrollton"
I can't really think of any, but I LOVED the stories you shared.
I was on the receiving end this morning of a most touching dose of generosity. I was in one of the express check out lines today holding just 2 sodas. We'd already gone through and adding these for a church work day was an afterthought so I had to get back in line. In front of me was an elderly gentleman, maybe 75 or 80 with just the sweetest smile and glimmering eyes. He was dressed very well for the store we were in and the day of the week and I imagined this was pretty normal for his generation to never go out in public dressed less than above acceptable. His hair was perfectly coiffed, his clothes pressed, his shoes shined. I know this is how my dad would have been 12 years from now had God not taken him home 3 years ago at the age of 63.
Anyway, he turned around and asked if that's all I was purchasing to which I responded "yes". He said, "oh, please go ahead. I am in no hurry today. You obviously have many things to do." I tried to resist, knowing he had less than 20 items and it wouldn't be long but he insisted. I graciously accepted.
As we waited for the people now in front of me (who had WAY more than 20 items by the way), I began to make small chatter with this new found "friend." He was utterly delightful. So charming, so funny. I was a little sad when I realized the cashier had scanned my soda and it was time for me to pay and leave.
We said our goodbyes and I uttered a final thank you as I took my bag. As I walked away I heard him engaging the cashier in the same manner so I knew this wasn't a one time event for him - it was his way. It was beautiful.
About 4 or so years ago, when I was in my 30s, I was in the midst of going back to college at a large, liberal campus. I had suffered a tremendous betrayal at the hands of someone I loved very dearly, and it was all I could do to keep myself together to attend classes and work to support my kids. In fact, some days I wasn't able to hold it together. But on the days I was able to trudge through it, I told myself, "If you can hold it together through class, then you can go to Chapel on your lunch break and unload to the Lord then." and so nearly every day that is what I did. One day, there was a young man in there in his early 20's, praying. I couldn't hold it in any longer, I slipped into the back row and just bawled my heart out, I could see him looking at me out the corner of my eye. And then, he turned around in the pew, lowered himself to his knees there and bowed his head and I KNEW beyond a shadow of a doubt he was praying for me. I was so touched and so thankful for his open willing heart to allow God to minister to me through him in those moments, and I have never forgotten it.
I work with the K-2nd graders in AWANA on Wednesday nights at our church. Listening to the children interact with each other is a real blessing and quite entertaining at times.
Hey Melissa! Glad to hear from you and that studies are trekking along.
I think these "vignettes" show the pure, unstructured, not to mention simple and financially "cheap" demonstrations of love people can have for one another. How beautiful! We could all learn so much from them.
Particularly, I was struck by the mom. Her sweet attention just made me want to cry buckets after these few days of my extremely short temper with my own brood! So often I find myself trying to multi-task in this crazy house of mine; when all my child(ren) would need is 3 solid minutes of undivided attention ~ they'd be in Heaven with a full hour! I have much to learn...
reflectively,
rachel
Oh Melissa
now you have me crying!!
I need to be more like that mommy and her son - taking the time to really listen :)
And that barista and the old lady really sent me over the edge - there is nothing like genuine kindness
Thank you so much for sharing I need this today!
Much love
Kim
I don't even think I can think about my own experiences right now. I am just taking in all you wrote. Brought tears to my eyes. Love them all!
I am a nurse and yesterday while taking care of a 97 year old patient who had no children of her own, I witnessed the kindness of neighbors who had befriended this woman. They treated her as if she were their own parent. Seeing to it that all her needs were met. It pleased my heart to know that God has sent someone to watch over this doll of a woman.
My youngest son walked up to me last week and handed me an offering: "I wrote this poem for you, Mommy. I can't spell all the words, so I asked Andrew (oldest son)for some help. Do you want me to read it to you?" "Yes," I said. "Okay," he began. "A Poem A About Mommy. I love Mommy. She is nise ("nice"). Because I love her. The end. Do you like it?" I just grabbed him and held on until he made me stop. It is now displayed on the refrigerator, but will be transferred to my hope chest.
The woman with four kids came to my register. I was polite, but not friendly. I was tired.
As they left, I recognized her name. My mom had asked me to pray for her, because her husband had died the week before.
I missed my God-given opportunity to minister.
My husband and I have three boys. The middle one is very talkative. We have an elderly neighbor lady who is the best listener in the world. He loves to visit her, and I think one of the main reasons is because she is so interested in what he has to say and really listens to him. We feel very blessed that she is our neighbor.
Just a few weeks ago my coworkers and I went as a group to the funeral of another coworker's father. As we watched the seating of the family, we noticed that our coworker's two daughters were holding hands as they walked in. They are both lovely young women, one age 19 and the other age 16, both beautiful, both popular, both very cool. And it was a beautiful sight to see them clasping each other's hands for comfort and security during the pain of their grandfather's passing, as if they were 9 and 6, or 6 and 3, rather than 19 and 16. At that moment in time, it did not seem to matter to them that they were both at the age normally considered too cool to be so obviously vulnerable. It was very, very touching.
Funny..this story (and your "cynical" comment) brought to my memory a time not too long ago in the summer. My kids and friends kids were waiting in the car--yes about 5 of them (car running with air on people so please don't judge me). I had to RUN in Walgreens to grab something so important only I can't remember what it was now. To my relief I was only behind one woman (usually I am behind many and ALWAYS pick the line where there is an issue and I am waiting a LONG time). This woman I can only describe as scruffy..looked in her 50's and looked like she had a HARD life. She was purchasing some over the counter medication and she did not have enough money. She was explaining to the cashier her sob story. I was irritated, selfish and judgmental. Just then the LORD convicted me and He gave me the gift of seeing this woman in HIS eyes. I was humbled and yet humiliated by my behavior. The woman walked away to find something cheaper. As she left her bag at the counter, I paid for her entire bill. The cashier was stunned. All I could say to her was that Jesus loves them both and to make sure to tell the woman that when she came back. As I left, I praised GOD that He alone makes divine appointments and teaches lessons in any way He chooses.
Talk about interactions among strangers..now I look for opportunities that I may bless His precious name.
Love you Melissa..thank you for being you and sharing with the world.
Tampa Bay Siesta.
God is So Good. Just yesterday I was wondering the same thing-how the world has become such a terrible place with no space for genuine feelings and interactions-and today he points me in the direction of this post! That really is indescribably awesome. I usually get touched by lil things like this too. Personal favourites being when strangers just strike up conversations and we can just talk about very simple yet meaningful things without the usual judgemental stuff and part on a happy note.
Melissa, I so enjoyed your post. I am one of those moms with tattoo-ed, blue haired, pierced children. I *know* they are the nicest kids! :) I always have to chuckle when I watch peoples' faces when they interact with my kids...or sometimes they will comment directly to me about how lovely my children are in semi-amazement. They will always take the time to help someone, speak to a stranger, or just be nice. I am so proud of them. Piercings can be removed, hair color changed, and, uh, tattoos...well...
And thank you dear God for your great love of us....
I especially like the Apples of Gold program we started with our middle-school students. A lot of them can't get rides to the dinners so I go pick them up and take them home. But the pleasure is all mine to watch them sit at beautiful table settings that they created,eat food they prepared themselves, and listen to women speak into their lives that they might never have had happen. I win in this moment. Very Cool!
Okay, y'all are making me tear up before church!
I tend to be the backup when our worship director is out of town on a Sunday, like she was last week for her parents' 50th wedding anniversary. I pray and pray about what songs to pick, how to arrange them, and I try to let God lead me where He wants us to go. And sometimes I feel like the folks inside the church don't see how tough it is outside, and the folks outside have no idea how blessed I feel inside.
Wednesday at choir practice, one of our members, who has three little nieces who were there Sunday, told me one of the girls said: "I know that lady who led the choir. I've seen her walking her dogs in our neighborhood!"
Sometimes they do see. It was a blessing and a reminder (because my dogs were NOT being good that week) that if I'm going to represent Him to the world, I am always ON.
I am just sitting here in tears. So precious . . . the ones around us . . . if we just 'be still' and take notice. All of your posts are so touching. I think our hearts need to hear this as a sweet reminder of the touches of God's grace. Lord, please open our eyes and our ears to our surroundings.
Melissa - you are such a wonderful artist with words. Thank you. --JH
For me, it's each time I see a dad spending time with his child...especially at our nearby park! He took the time to drive or walk over, to spend a quality morning or afternoon. I really enjoy the scene of dad and son or daughter on bikes. Dad pedals SO slow that he could tilt over at any time! His child is pedaling as fast as possible! Both have humungous smiles. That picture brings such peace and joy to my soul. I guess it brings back great memories from my childhood. I had a great dad...still do!...who spent a lot of time with me. Ahhhhh...maybe it reflects our heavenly Father and how He really enjoys spending time with us!
God bless you Melissa. God used your note to inspire and encourage me. I won't go into all the details of how and why - but just know that it did! Also, I can picture your coffee shop study sessions - my own daughter is in college and in the past I have enjoyed meeting her a few times with a good book of my own - I think my book was Believing God :)
Over a year ago I was at a conference for the weekend. On that Friday morning I had an early quite time in Isaiah. It was right around the time that the financial market started taking a turn for the worse and I remember sitting there, thinking, "God, how come you have not destroyed this nation. We are horrible and do not deserve your mercy." A few short hours later I was sitting in the arena and heard a little guy speaking about Hoops for Hope (or something like that). As I listened to this boy speak about his concern for kids on the other side of the world I could not hold in my emotions. God spoke to my heart that this was why we were all still here. There are people in the world who love Him and listen to Him, and I felt a hope for my nation that I had not had for quite awhile.
You said you were wondering if you were the only one...You're not! ...
I OFTEN "wonder in my heart how the Lord does not look down from His holy hill and utterly destroy us all". Praise Him for His endless mercy!
About 8 years ago, I was at Walmart with my then 7 year old autistic daughter. We were near the registers, getting ready to check out, when she started having a NUCLEAR MELTDOWN. A cashier asked me if she was "special". I said yes through my tears. The cashier led me away, opened the register just for me, and checked me out in record speed. And then she closed down and went back to her break. Another time, another meltdown, an older man helped me with her at Hardees. I never knew angels worked at Walmart, or were older men that worked at Texaco and ate at Hardees. Thank you Jesus, she is now a polite 15year old young lady that no longer has meltdowns.
My son is all 8 at least until next weekend when he turns 9. He plays football and has since he was five years old. This is his first year on tackle, before this he was on flag.He's a big boy for his age---all muscle and stock. We have always told him to be a "gentle giant" because we always feared a "Bennie" situation (think "Of Mice and Men!")
Short story long, when he was on the field, he always helps up the guy he tackles. At first he was a little timid of tackling the other team. He didn't want to hurt anyone. When his team has to take a lap, he always lets himself fall behind so he can encourage the slower guys.
He has a rough team this year. Not the nicest kids you would want to meet. At one point, he was being picked on by some of the other players for his lisp. He stood to full height and pronounced: "Jesus loves you too ya' know."
He isn't picked on anymore.
I love this little boy. I know it's not that he has the best mommy. It's because he has the greatest Abba. Thanks for letting me brag on him.
Hi Melissa:
The people my eyes have fallen on these last few days, and my thoughts and emotions toward them, have been quite different than yours. Tuesday there was a man in our grocery store staring at spaghetti sauce right in front of me. I don't think he had money for it. He left without anything in his hands. We are running on empty financially, and yet I wanted to help him, but didn't know if I should say anything. Would it insult him? Maybe he was just waiting for his wife?
Then there was a homeless person wearing a clear plastic bag on the corner this morning as we drove to church in our warm, dry car.
And then I thought again of my own grandfather and some hard memories of his last, sad, fragile days that I didn't know how to address because I was young and living in my parent's home, and they didn't "think he would want us to interfere"....
My heart is moved, but moved to do what? More of Jesus. I need more sensitivity, more courage, more action. I want to finally grow up and be like the dear woman that had courage to brush an old man's hair in the airport. Change me, Lord.
I loved this Melissa. Thank you for sharing it. And you know one thing else I loved about it, not knowing the faith, if any of the people in the three scenes you shared, is sometimes it seems like, as Christians, we think that only another believer has any love in their heart to share. Yet, we were all made in the image of God...and sometimes you see peeks into God in that image of a person, that does not even know it is is God's relational ways they are reflecting.
There is good. It is not all evil and I too need a peek into that hope.
the world would be a better place if people would stop over coffee once in a while :)
Recently my seventy-five year old Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. She had surgery three weeks ago to remove half of her left lung. My faith has been strengthened through her journey because each day God gave me and my family members exactly what we needed in EVERY situation.
I was traveling each day from out of town to be with her and on the day after her surgery I was attempting to find the closest parking garage to the hospital. I kept getting turned around and saw a woman in a white coat walking through the general parking area and stopped to ask her for directions. I assumed because of her white coat, she must work there. This women, who didn't know me at all, said "well, the best way to get you where you need to be, is just to get in and ride with you." I couldn't believe she just got in my car! She got in, picking up everything I had in the seat (laptop; cooler, etc), holding them and rode with me to the parking garage and told me exactly how to get to the Intensive Care Unit. I'm one who meets no strangers and she was the same. We were instant stranger/friends. Later that afternoon, this same woman came to find me at the hospital to see how my Mom was doing and offer any assistance I or my family members might need. It was great to experience the kindness of strangers. BTW..Mom is doing great and at home now.
There is the most precious 4 year old little boy named S.L. that we work with in Mission Raleigh that came and told my husband that he was dreaming about "dwagons." My husband told him to tell Jesus to make them go away or make them friendly. S.L. ran in the next week and said "The dwagons are my friends."
This is also the same little guy who ran in to kid's club recently and yelled "Guess what? I love God." I think he is going to be a pastor one day.
I was just sitting here feeling sorry for myself and you all made my day. I twisted my ankle yesterday and have had to rest, ice, compress, elevate...
True, blessed living is in the details. Thanks for sharing yours.
You're in my prayers today as you study and work on school. Love, Annette
Yes! :-) The smallest things change us forever....
A few years back on a hot August day in Iowa I was heading north as I sited an elderly gentleman in a long sleeved shirt and dirty jeans riding a bicycle with all his belongings in a bag strapped on the back traveling towards me. I passed him when a very young woman driving his direction pulled on the side of the road and ran to him. As I looked in my rear view mirror, I saw her hand him an energy drink and half eaten sandwich to him. This was obviously her lunch but she saw a need and met it. I praise God for those times when I see Him through others.
This was sweet, thank you.
And I'm convicted to sit and pay attention more often so I can see some of these interactions rather than focus on myself.
I volunteered this summer at a camp for kids with heart defects. One camper probably will not live through the year. He was in a wheel chair and could only walk small steps. During low ropes course, his cabin, which was full of high school boys, carried him on their back or helped him walk so that instead of finishing first, their whole team finished together. The camper had the biggest smile on his face and it brings tears to my eyes thinking how special that moment was to him.
Thanks for the post! Its so encouraging to read these glimpses of beauty in our everyday lives :)
A few months ago I was blessed with the honor of heading up an extreme makeover for a family that really needed a blessing. Once we sent out the e-mails, perfect strangers were just throwing money, materials and their skills at this project. I had never seen such a thing. I was completely overwhelmed with the outpouring of
love for this family. Only God could have made the whole thing go down the way it did.
A married couple at church, probably in their early sixties, warm my heart and soul whenever I see them. She is unable to walk without help and he is her helper. Each week they walk down the isle, as he supports her around the waist she holds his other arm. I am moved by their physical support for each other and the way they move in perfect timing, almost like a dance step. True love, for better or worse, is displayed before my eyes.
Praise God,
Sue
He had a stroke one week ago. His left side challenged with paralysis.
He lay resting in the hospital bed –
On this rainy Sunday, after a week of spinning days and little sleep,
She laid a pillow on his hospital bed rail to rest her head with eyes closed.
He overcame the frustration and challenges raising his left arm
And with his left hand brushes her tired head.
Yesterday I was blessed to spend some time with my 2 year old grandson, Gavin! The time we spend together is always precious because Gavin's parents are not together and it is a struggle just to get his mother to let me pick him up. After the few hours we spent "playing" together, I took him back to his mommy and upon leaving said, "Come kiss Grammy bye-bye." Gavin ran to me and threw his little arms around me and kissed me, then I felt his little hand on my back patting me as if to let me know that he thought our time had been precious too!!
Today, as I drove back to college from a weekend home, I saw the most beautiful sight Ive seen in a long time. Driving down one of the longest roads in my city- in the rain and chill, hundreds of Christians, young and old, male and female, stood on either side of the road protesting abortion. No one was saying anything- just holding up signs that told of God's love for His people and His forgiving nature. It was beautiful. It brought me to tears. Fellow Christians banding together to peacefully honor God and stand in the face of evil.
So glad to hear to hear from you, Melissa. I imagine your time is very precious right now with your studies. God shows up in such surprising and amazing ways. I saw this today at our church. When people go forward for prayers, baptism, and/or confession there are those who surround them from the congregation;leadership and members. A young lady went forward this morning with the cofession of a pregancy that was out of wedlock. As she and her mom and boyfriend approached the front, church family poured out of the pews to surround them. Tears and prayers and love everywhere. Praise God for His wisdom in creating the body of Christ. Due to the nature of this story I will be anonymous for this post. God bless you and your family!
The story of your mom brushing that mans hair. Makes me cry every.single.time.
Melissa- Good to have you back. You have a special gift with words. I am always moved in some way when I read your posts. Thanks for sharing your observations; they are lovely, hope-filled moments.
As a pastor in Nashville said, "May the Love of God continually interrupt your day!"
Melissa, I really wanted to take a few minutes to tell you what a beautiful heart you have. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the darkness that appears to be wrapping its cold ugly fingers around this world, but is takes a special heart, a Christ filled heart to see what you saw yesterday. Such times as what you saw I like to refer to as "this moment brought to you by God". Perhaps it was His way of saying let me lift you up let me show you what i see in humanity. Its not all bad. AND others may have seen what you did; however your reaction to it is what give you a heart of and for Christ. Do not despair My sister, there are alot more of those tender moments out there..we just need to see them with the eyes of our Savior. Blessings to you and have a God filled day.
This post fits right in with something our church has been meditating on and studying the last few weeks. Our pastor has been preaching on kindness because of a new tagline/motto for our congregation .... we are trying to be "Neighbors Multiplying God's Kindness". Read Romans 2:1-4 and Titus 3:1-8 It has really made me more aware of my actions and more willing to reach out to everyone with kindness, because God's kindness is a motivator... and instigator to action!
My father in law passed away a few months ago and we had to go out of town. We didn't have a lot of time to get ready. A friend who runs a kennel kept our dogs and wouldn't let us pay, a lady cut my husband's hair and wouldn't let him pay, someone who doesn't usually do my hair, came in on her day off. There is still a lot of good in the world, if we will just look for it.
I had a similar "grandfather" experience this June when I moved my son to High Point NC. A very well dressed older man was very happy to be sharing a burger with his grandson at a local diner. As we watched him escorted to the car a table full of 3 young men (my sons)were teary eyed. It started a conversation about how my husband used to do the same thing for his 80 year old grandad.
Yesterday in church I noticed a family with an adult son that was challenged. His hands were crippled and he was in a wheelchair. The father was sitting next to him and the mother on the other side of the dad. During worship I looked over and the dad was holding his sons tiny frail hand. It just brought tears to my eyes to see how much this father loved his son. During the service he got him out of his wheelchair and just held him close.
I was assisting a couple in our circuit court who's son was a law enforcement officer. The son had been killed in the line of duty during a vehicle pursuit. Because of the way the laws were written, our circuit court judge threw the criminal case out after a full day of heartbreaking testimony. The deputy's parents had been married every bit of 40 years (which doesn't happen very often in these times). When the judge made his announcement and the jury filed out of the jury box, the father leaned over to the mother, kissed her full on the mouth, looked her in the eye and said, "I love you." The gesture was beautifully and refreshingly genuine. It's funny you posed this question as the father died this past Thursday.
Yesterday my 4 and 6 year old girls were with us in Big Church. They did so good, but were getting a little antsy towards the end of the service. Right after communion our worship band begin singing Mighty to Save by Hillsong. My sweet girls began singing. When they got to the chorus, they began belting out that song. I mean LOUD.
Part of me was delighted to witness the sheer energy they devoted to singing this song to Jesus. But the small part of me was slightly embarrassed because people 4 and 5 rows away were turning their heads around to look. I wondered if I should shush them just a little. I decided NO when I caught my husband with tears in his eyes watching them sing.
Then after the service was over, a dear lady in our church (whose 18 year old son died 2 years ago), leaned over to my girls and said "Thank you for singing that song so well. It put a big smile on my face." The girls just smiled at her and skipped away to get a donut. I think Jesus smiled, too.
Sitting in the ER waiting room while dad was being seen by a doctor, I heard a 12 to 13 year old boy tell his 5 year brother to sit down and that meant to put his bottom not his feet on the chair and then offer to read Go Dog Go for the 10th time since I noticed them.
It never fails to leave me preciously blessed when a special needs person has a job in a public arena. They ALWAYS do their job with the utmost ambition and it blesses me every time. I ususally have tears welling in my eyes and am thoroughly embarrassing my husband.
Thank you to everyone who works with special needs people.
yesterday, we were preparing to fly home to Atlanta from Dallas. One of our pieces of luggage had gotten ripped on the way out to Dallas, so the last thing we had to do was replace it. We couldn't find anything to match our current set (and how BTW can retailers in DALLAS not carry Burnt Orange Luggage? hello?) so we decided to just got to Wal-Mart and pick up a cheap bag.
Getting anywhere in Dallas is a bit challenging, but we finally spotted a Wal-Mart AND managed to get off the highway and navigate our way back to the store.
by this time we were running just a bit behind schedule and the baby hadn't gotten her lunch yet. she was being very patient about it, but still!
We got in, grabbed a cheap piece of luggage and got in line to pay out.
the lady right in front of us had tons of groceries already loaded onto the conveyor belt. she looked round at us. she saw the baby. She saw the tired couple. I swear I never saw this coming: she said "please go in front of me"
I blessed her over and over. I almost hugged her even.
Thank you random lady in Wal-Mart. you made my week.
seriously.
Deridre
Okay so this may sound shallow... but it is the center of my world right now (don't read into that more than that... spiritually speaking!) Watching my daughter's soccer game as one little 12 yr old girl held her arms up with all her might to hold back the other team so her team mate could have time to take a fair shot... and in another play, our little player extending a hand to help up a fallen foe... okay not biggies in the world peace department... but good sportsmanship on the field of battle... warms my heart!
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