From The Storyteller
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December 4, 2017, Coffee
People continually surprising me. My daily Monday through Friday morning routine includes going out for coffee. By 8:30 the traffic is lighter and the coffee shops less crowded. Rotating coffee shops in Lubbock is easy so I am not a “regular” at any one place. This allows me to have my coffee, study, and do my people watching in relative autonomy. Part of my people watching includes offering to buy coffee for the person behind me. The offer begins with a question – “Excuse me. Have you had a gift today?” The answers are varied and the looks are priceless. My follow up – “Would you allow me to buy your coffee today, as a gift?” Their responses typically include words like “Seriously”, “Sure”, “Okay”, “That’s not necessary”, and a few “No thank you”. While no one has actually said, “What’s the catch”, the look on their faces sure reveals what they’re thinking. When no names are exchanged and the coffee is paid for, this look of curiosity becomes a smile coupled with “Thank you,” and we go our separate ways. This past week was different. Turning to the man behind me, I made the offer. The response of “thank you” was typical, and then he said, “How about this? Will you let me buy your coffee instead?” I have been making the coffee offer for several years and never had it reversed. I didn’t know what to say. I stood silently for a second, then I remembered a lesson learned years ago. When someone offers you a gift, accept the gift with a “Thank you.” By accepting, both you and the giver receive a blessing. It is surprising how much a simple “Yes, thank you” can brighten a day. Moral – To have generosity, both giving and receiving are necessary. |