It was a cold December day in North Texas, and I had set up shop in my favorite Starbucks, sipping my coffee while answering emails and doing some work on my laptop. I had sat in my favorite chair, far from the door and the chilly air that gushed in every time it opened.
As has always been my custom, I looked up from my computer from time to time and did a little people watching, discreetly observing the style, manner, and interactions of those around me, and wondering about their stories.
I noticed a young woman sitting nearby, a laptop resting on her knees, studiously typing away and looking thoughtful. After awhile I saw that she’d closed and put away the computer and instead had a bible in her lap, which she studied just as closely as she had the computer screen.
A few minutes later, my attention once again was caught by the same young woman, now interacting with a young man standing in front of her—a Starbucks barista I realized, as he took off his green apron and reached down to pick up the computer bag sitting by the woman’s feet. I recognized him as the new hire I hadn’t yet met or learned his name.
Within moments it became apparent that the two were a couple, obvious in the way their smiles lit up their faces as they interacted, and confirmed by the wedding bands they both wore. As the woman rose to accompany her husband out of the coffee shop, I was able to read the words emblazoned across the bright green sweatshirt she was wearing: I love my husband.
On a whim, I rose quickly and intercepted the couple as they walked toward the exit. Greeting them and apologizing for the intrusion, I explained that I had noticed their interaction and the wife’s sweatshirt and simply wanted to express my warm regards for their obvious affection and respect for each other. Surprised but pleased, the couple thanked me, wished me well, and went on their way.
That brief encounter was nearly 10 years ago, and that young couple has grown into a young family with three children, living and serving in ministry down in Honduras. How do I know this? Because a week later I introduced myself to that new Starbucks barista, had a longer conversation during his break, learned his wife was looking for work, and hired her the next day. She’s been my friend and colleague ever since, helping me with a large variety of projects and collaborating with me on two books and countless articles over the years.
Why do I tell you all this? Because it’s a beautiful example of how reaching out to someone can sometimes lead to a series of events that can completely change a life. Did I change the lives of that young couple? I’d like to think so, yes. But I can say with absolute certainty that they have changed mine.
So take a chance, reach out, and see what blessings might follow!
