A Christmas Gift

My Hubby and I rarely go to Starbucks for coffee. First of all it's too high in calories for me and too expensive, so we only go on special occasions or if I have a gift card. Lucky for us it was both. So this morning we donned on our workout wear and hit the streets walking to the coffee shop. Our round trip is a little over 2 miles and it's just a great time to be together and enjoy our beautiful Oregon weather. Today it was cold and crisp, the sky was blue and the sun was shinning. We were in great spirits anticipating all of our Christmas festivities that we were about to enjoy!

My Hubby and I ordered our drinks and found a cozy spot for us to enjoy our special treat. Of course we ordered thinking about our waistlines. I ordered a tall, "skinny" Chi Tea and Hubby ordered a tall "skinny" Peppermint Mocha - Yummy!!!

As I was waiting for my Hubby to bring back our coffees, I was just sitting in my comfy chair thinking about the many Blessings I have in my life. I could really feel the love of the Lord this morning and I was filled with joy!!

Soon my Hubby had our drinks and he was standing in front of me trying to figure out who's drink was who's and as he was handing me my drink an older gentleman came into the store and came right up to us. Without any word from him, he threw his hat on my Hubby's chair and started to get in line.

I simply said, "Sir, that is my Husband's chair."

Then the man snapped angrily at me and said, "Well I don't see him sitting there!!" I tried to explain, that he just got back with our coffee and he was getting ready to sit.

Without another word, the man grabbed up his hat and stormed toward the order line.

I was floored!! First of all, the man came in and did not assess the situation around him. He just bullied his way toward the chair. Secondly, he could have said sorry and found another seat. But no, he had to be mean and spoil my day.

Well after he did what he did, I called out to him....."Well Merry Christmas to you!"

That was when something came over me that I cannot explain......Without a word to my Hubby, I got up from my chair and went to the man. I said, "Sir, I am sorry, you can have my chair."

When our eyes met, I saw so much sorrow and pain. We made a connection that I cannot explain. It's like he transferred his pain to me....we exchanged something! Because he gave me a tiny smile and he said, "I'm sorry!.

I then said, "Merry Christmas", to his reply he said with a joyful smile, "Merry Christmas!"

Before I knew what I was doing, I grabbed my Hubby and we started back home.

The minute I left the building I started to cry....I had to really think about what the tears were about. Because I was so overcome I could not talk. It was one of those cries that hurt in your throat...You know when you get so choked up you can't talk. That's what it was like.

At first I thought I was crying because of the injustice done to me. Here I was enjoying a Christmas morning with my Hubby and this man spoiled it for me.

But after some time, I realized that I was crying for this man and his pain ~ I could feel it to my core. The other reason why I was crying was because we exchanged a gift. I was able to give him something that morning. I gave him joy, love...and compassion.

As we were walking, holding my Hubby's hand, I wept and wept.

Since I could not talk to my Hubby, I decided to talk to the Lord. He told me that this man's name is Charlie and that I should pray for him. That's all he told me....And that's exactly what we did!

So this Christmas day, would you please give a gift to my new friend Charlie? Please pray for his pain and sorrow to be released and for him to be filled with joy!!

I love you my Friends. Be kind and compassionate to those who harm you. You have no idea where they are coming from. Always expend a gift of love and compassion wherever you go.

Love love love you!