Skip to main content



This has been a challenging week. I've been quite wrapped up in the difficulties, the pain and the tragedies life brings. Yesterday morning, I went into the coffee shop to get a little mocha and I came out with a bright new smile.

The man behind the counter was talking to the woman in front of me in line. They must have known each other because they were joking about giving tips. He might have wanted a monetary tip but she had some silly life tips to give instead.

Then, he ended the conversation by adding, "Just don't say you're going to pray for me and then not do it. Because that would really suck." So, I came up to the counter and offered, "How about if I say I'll pray for you and I really do it?"

He smiled and kept messing around with his lanyard containing a nametag. I finally understood that he wanted to make sure I knew his name. Dale. "Ok I'll be sure to pray for DALE, but God knew your name anyway, right?"

Then, after my coffee was ready, I gave the change to my son to put in the tip bucket. He loves to hear the tinkering of coins. Dale looked at my son and said, "I'm going to use this tip money to help build a church in Africa."

Well, Dale, I don't know what my fifty cents will do for Africa (probably more than I can imagine), but your attitude today has blessed me. And I pray that it will continue to bless the people who come in and out of this place all day.

I walked out the door to the sun shining down on my face, the birds chirping praise to God and then I ran smack into the middle of the messiness of life. But, Dale helped bring a peice of sunshine into my day. Thanks Dale!

Visit Iris for more thankful hearts today.

Comments

Tami said…
What a nice story! You never know how a seemingly routine encounter can impact your day. Thanks.
Susan said…
Hey Heather,

What a touching story. Thanks for being so sensitive to Dale's need.

We have been discussing this at church these days. Really praying, even on the spot at times!

I had a telamarketer call and start telling me his son was afraid of the storms these days! I offered to pray and he was shocked.

We are living in such perilous times.

You are such a bright light!

Have a blessed day Heather. I'm so glad you got your smile back♥
Irene said…
Don't you just love those little moments of epiphany, when life takes a beautiful glow, when we feel useful, that our life can make a difference?
I enjoyed reading your post. Thank you.
Denise said…
Such a heart touching story, bless you.
Anonymous said…
A truly inspiring post! Your "small change" will probably do quite a lot for Africa.
Keep on praying and smiling!
~Chrissy
Anonymous said…
Heather, I am so sorry you were having a bad week. Hang on, spring weather is right around the corner!!

Your story about Dale is so inspiring. There are not many Christians where I live and I absolutely love encounters like this when I do have them. I'll pray for Dale, too!!
A wonderful God moment! Thanks for sharing!
Unknown said…
Heather,

I love this. I treasure these divine moments our Lord allows in our lives.

You are going to be such a great part of our team. I am soooo looking forward to it. Love and hugs,
Liz said…
This post was beautiful and perfect for what I needed to hear (read) today. Life does bring some pain, difficulties, and tragedies, but moments like yours at the coffee shop and moments like mine reading your blog post help us remember that God is working in even the most difficult circumstances. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Blessings, Liz
Unknown said…
Heather, this is the second post in as many days where I read about doing a good deed. You never know how your gesture of kindness touches another. Not only Dale, but to a congregation in Africa!

Have a blessed day!
lori said…
Heather that was AWESOME!!! Isn't it amazing what a little 'attitude' can do!! wow!!!

Thank God for Dale..he made your day....he was Christ in your life..and I'll just bet you took that little gift and went out and spread some sunshine yourself!!!

hugs,
lori
Jenny said…
Heather,
That is a wonderful story! I love when we get invited by God to invest in someone else's life and receive the blessing too!

Jen
Sandy said…
What an awesome encounter! Thanks for sharing this uplifting story. I am sure your fifty cents and your prayers will go far!
twinklemom said…
Then, he ended the conversation by adding, "Just don't say you're going to pray for me and then not do it. Because that would really suck." So, I came up to the counter and offered, "How about if I say I'll pray for you and I really do it?"

He smiled and kept messing around with his lanyard containing a nametag. I finally understood that he wanted to make sure I knew his name. Dale. "Ok I'll be sure to pray for DALE, but God knew your name anyway, right?"


That was fantastic and a great praise! It shows that sometimes, ministering can just happen right outside our door!

Popular posts from this blog

Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? by Phillip Yancey

Shannon, at Rocks in my Dryer , is hosting a huge giveaway! Isn't that exciting! I love to give something meaningful to my friends - as I shop, I always look for just the right item that fits our relationship and the individual's personality. So, if you stop by this little blog of mine, I think you might like this gift I've picked out. This fall, I have been nourished by the wisdom of Phillip Yancey in his recent book on prayer. Our Bible study has plumbed the depths of prayer with Yancey's help in this amazing book. My personal prayer life has been challenged and I have probed the deeper questions surrounding prayer with a beloved mentor. I would love for you to enjoy this book too. I'll be giving the book away to one blessed commenter. So, leave a comment here and I'll be drawing a name next week to give away this treasure box full of well-mined jewels from God's Word and life's experiences. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in the draw

Thankful Thursday

A few things that fill my heart with gratitude... *Bright explosions in the sky *Bug repellent *Calamine and band aids for when we forget about the bug repellent (and the polka dot girl I put to bed each night whose sensitive skin seems to attract the little suckers) *Days spent at the beach *Life jackets *Aloe, although it can't take away a lobster red sunburn, it does soothe *Photographs and memories *The public library. My family has been enjoying plenty of summer library programs. *Ok, I'm even thankful for cockroaches. The kids sure had fun playing with the huge ones the "Bug Guy" Brought in for the last program we attended. They even ate a few bugs. (I am NOT joking!) I, on the other hand, found it conveniently necessary to excuse myself to the restroom right around the time the roaches and tarantulas were being brought out. *I'm thankful for a new job...which will be starting soon (more on that later). *Green slime, explosions, goggles and lab coats...yes,

In REAL Life

This week, I've been thankful for some "real" life fun with people I love. Here's ONE: Yesterday morning, the kids started the day out with some Karaoke fun. The first song requested was "Shine" by the Newsboys and I smiled as the kids bounced around in the family room to this song. Our little guy then asked for his favorite: Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie. Don't ask me why. But hearing a three year old boy sing about big girls crying is just adorable. We progressed to "Big Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstill. I have no idea what she means (why not a black kitten and an apple tree?), but the kids love the "whoo-hoo" part and that's all that really matters. Whoo-hoo....whoo-hoo! And the last song, a favorite of all, "Mr. Roboto" by STYX. Oh yeah. We shine our light for Jesus in Robot style around our house. Three little robots marched around with jerky movements singing word-for-word the entire song. Here'