Living the Lessons

A Starbucks Angel

As I go through these OLC Boot Camp lessons, life is surprising me.  Last night I had a joy rising moment when I met my first Starbucks angel and realized that one simple action can impact your whole life. While some might look for joy rising as a big “you get a car” or a “making your dreams come true” moment, there are always smaller ones that sometimes happen too.  An out of the ordinary…extraordinary act…that touches your heart in a big way.  Last night, I met Alicia, our Starbucks angel who was the spark to light the joy. A small cost with a big impact.

As we grabbed our regular corner spot to do some change of scenery inspirational writing, she came over to our table.  This was the conversation as she took the few steps towards us.  “I would like to buy your drinks for you.”  “Wow. That’s so nice of you.  No…we couldn’t.”  “God told me to buy you drinks.”  Now, that stopped me.  How do you say no to that one?  Easy answer…you don’t.  You just don’t say no to God or a whisper or gifts that he brings down into your life.  So, I walked up to one of our favorite baristas and told her, “I’ve met my first Starbucks angel” and as I ordered my drink, our Starbuck’s angel said, “I want to buy them all. God told me to buy them for all three of you.” Like on many of our inspiration outings, mom comes along for the journey and brings her own inspiration along with her.  So, last night, we had a full table.

So, as she swiped her card and smiled, I restrained myself from turning and hugging her…this complete stranger. Because the simple act of paying for our drinks really isn’t so simple at all.  It takes something more to move you to do something kind for a stranger.  It takes something more to offer a gift, knowing that no one will know except you and the receiver  It takes something more to bring joy to someone and change their life.  I know…it’s just coffee…but really, it’s not.  It’s a heart imprint. Plus, it was iced tea…not just coffee. Just to be clear.

Normally, this kind of thing doesn’t happen…but you see…it really does happen.  I asked her what her name was.  She said, “Alicia.”  “Nice to meet you. I’m Paula.”  Every day things happen.  People will surprise you…God will surprise you.   Thank you Alicia…and thank you God for her whispers.  It’s amazing to see how all this works…and how this energy moves through the world.  Now, it’s my turn to pass along this joy and listen for God to tell me who to buy the next Starbucks drink for….to keep the joy flowing by passing it on and out into the world.  You never know…your very own Starbucks Angel could be standing right next to you when you are in line waiting for morning cup of coffee.  When you meet them, it will change you forever.

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