From Pam White, communications coordinator:  I had trouble getting out of bed this morning.  My parents left yesterday after a fun-filled, action-packed, ten-day visit.  Then last night we ended up with a houseful -- our friend Dan came over to help set up my new laptop and transfer files to it from my old computer.  My son Jeff stopped by to pick up some new clothes my mom had ironed for him to take on a business trip this morning.  My daughter Heather was home to borrow her sister's laptop for her thesis defense this morning.  Her husband joined us later.  We watched the Rockies beat the Astros 5-1, and, truth be told, the wine and beer flowed pretty freely.  It was one of those wonderful impromptu family get-togethers filled with laughter and love, but on a Monday night?  Whew!  I was exhausted!

I definitely needed a pick-me-up on the way to work, so I stopped by Starbucks.  I expected a caffeine jolt, but what I got was an even better treat.  I ordered a chai and a reduced-fat turkey bacon sandwich, and pulled up to the drive-through window with a $10 bill in hand, only to be informed by Chris at the window that the woman ahead of me had paid for my breakfast!  I caught a glimpse of a tan SUV as it turned the corner ahead of me.  I didn't recognize the car.  I don't know if the generous woman knew me or if her gesture was simply one of those "random acts of kindness" you read about on bumper stickers but so seldom experience.  I DO know that it made my day. 

I also know that it's made me want to pass it on, pay it forward, perform my own good deed.  But what?  I don't know yet, but I'm sure the Holy Spirit will guide me, and sometime in the next hour, day, or week I'll be given an opportunity to do something kind for a stranger.  Whatever it is, I'll do it with gratitude to the woman who brightended my Tuesday morning.

Her gift has made me think bigger than that, too.  It's made me think about the way I tend to go through my days in a hurry -- worrying about work and errands and what to cook for dinner and crossing things off my "list"... you get the idea.  How often do I stop to think about the stranger ahead of me (or behind me) in line?  the person driving the car next to me?  the person I pass on my walk?  I may smile, nod my head, or even voice a quick "Hi" at these people, but do I really THINK about them?  I needed to be reminded that every one of the people with whom I cross paths on a daily basis is a child of God, worth more that an cursory glance.  I'm going to try my best to start SEEING the people around me.  Do they look troubled?  happy?  sad?  excited?  If I do that, I have a feeling I'll find lots of opportunities to brighten someone else's day and to make someone else feel special.  

Wow!  I thought the woman this morning bought me a cup of chai and a sandwich.  Turns out she opened my eyes, and my heart, in a new way.  Thank you, whoever you are!