Recently, I struck up a conversation with my Starbucks barista. Let's call him Bob. Bob and I are on a first-name basis, and he's quite the perfect person to be a barista...friendly, warm, kind, and a bit chatty. Just seeing him behind the counter makes me smile.
Parent-teacher conferences and appointments with the developmental pediatrician were on my mind, so I shared with Bob that our son has autism. Bob was so kind and shared his Christian perspective of love in the face of challenges. He also shared that his wife of many years suffers a number of challenges herself. He told me he'd been laid off a few years ago, just a bit too soon for him to retire, and that's why he worked at Starbucks.
As two caregivers brought together by a grande pumpkin spice latte, we understood each other and extended much-needed grace to each other in gentle words and kindness in Christ's name. I walked away from that moment lifted up and lighter. I hope Bob did, too.
Moments like this happen to me. A lot.
The world is full of us broken people who pull ourselves together in love for others, who know in our bones that we are loved by Love Itself, and who simply must spread that love around like double-fudge icing on a world that needs it.
Some days, though, life's exhausting. And that's why, when we're open and honest and real, these moments of kindness between and connection to others come to us as gifts straight from God.
We are not alone.
We are never alone.
God sends us others--in both small ways and large--to help us bear our burdens. Keep your head up and your heart open, and pay attention. Look for these gifts when they come to you; look for opportunities to give these gifts when you can.
And be grateful for each and every one.
Feel free to share a "gift moment" you've experienced. Who knows? You might give someone ideas!
I so agree that everyday the Good Lord shows us the way through others. Like you said, we need to keep our hearts open and pay attention.
ReplyDeleteWe are not alone.
I am so feeling that this morning. My MIL is in a nursing home and recently my FIL has gone there too. Last night, I went to a workshop with a very good friend of mine at the home. She has 3 family members living there as well. My FIL has had a bit of a rough time adjusting as he did live in his home all his 93 years so understandable. I really didn't want to go out last night but that little voice in my head just kept saying...go....be present.
I received a blessing last night as I had a one to one visit first with my MIL (they are on different floors) and we shared how much we loved and cared about each other. I was reluctant to see my FIL as he had been testy...he was the most happy and loving person last night. We shared a precious evening together and he also told me how much he loved me. I want them to know that they matter and that I care. My parents are gone and I have always felt close to them so it's easy. Dementia is a hard thing to wrap your head around but it's so worth taking the time to try and understand and just keep loving.
Hope your day is blessed with a special gift today mf. My special little gifts are soon coming in the door for daycare today.
hugs,
Karen
Karen, thanks so much for sharing this moment with us. What a special relationship you have with both your in-laws! And what a blessing you must be to them. Big hugs, my friend!
Delete