A Cup of Cappuccino

It was very cold that morning, and I knew that I was going to have to face that cold wind once I left the comfort of my warm seat as the BART train pulled in to my stop. I took comfort in knowing that I had a few dollars in my pocket and I was going to stop at the cafe along the way and grab me a steaming hot cappuccino to help warm me up. The walk from the Bart Station to to the cafe was only a few short moments but the cold wind made it seem a lot longer and further than it really was. As I walked into the cafe I tried not to enjoy the warmth too much because I knew in just a few moments I would be right back out in the frigid cold air.

I stepped up to the counter and ordered my cappuccino, paid for it and hesitantly headed for the door, reluctantly thrusting myself back into the brisk winter air. I was concentrating on how many steps it was going to take me to make it to my building. I was already imagining myself cozy and warm on the elevator ride up to the office on the 17th floor. My concentration was broken when I was approached by a young man, his appearance was run down and unkempt. He couldn't have been past his early twenties, but he looked old and tired. Suddenly my momentary discomfort of the cold seemed petty. He asked me if I had any spare change so that he could get a room at one the motels on that street. I felt bad for a moment because I had just spent the only dollars I had on me on that cappuccino, but as I thought about it those few dollars really wouldn't have helped him with his real problem.

I didn't have any money to offer him, but I didn't want him to think that I was blowing him off or just giving him excuses either, so I made sure I looked him in his eyes and I explained that I had just spent my last few dollars on the hot cappuccino I was holding in my hands. He said he understood...but I couldn't help but feel that I should do something for him...so I stood there in the cold and talked with him for a few moments trying my best to let him know that he mattered and that even though people might pass by him or ignore him there on the street that He was still important and that he still had value and worth...as we talked suddenly he just broke down...the fact that someone was talking to him and treating him like a person was apparently too much...

With tears in his eyes this young man explained to me how he ended up on the street. He was raised in a Christian home and had decided to rebel against what he had been taught as a child. Like the prodigal son, he had turned his back on the principals and truths he was raised with...he cried as he told me how he let his wealth and the pursuit of drugs separate him from the very things he loved ...how he was once well off (and in fact had a wife and a mother constantly asking him to return home) and now he found himself humbled to the point of having to beg for enough change to get a room to get out of the cold.

I stood there and cried with him as he told his story. His heart was so heavy and he felt like he had gone too far for even God to love. I informed him that He was wrong about that, and that God loved Him even still..and in fact He arranged for our meeting. I shared the Love of God with Him, reminding him of those things he was raised with and sharing God's Word with Him...it was worth every bit of standing in the cold to see his face light as He realized that He could go back home... we prayed together right there on that cold corner in San Francisco...he was so happy and excited he grabbed me and hugged me...and I was so happy that he was restored that I hugged him right back, even though the dirt and stink of living on the street was still on him...I could see the brightness on his face and countenance. I couldn't help but go into "dad" mode as I gave him some last minute instructions and sent him on his way home...and like the man at the gate he took off leaping and jumping on his way home...a prodigal no more.

The cold wind was no longer a concern of mine, as I walked down the street, my cappuccino was no longer hot but that was okay, as I got on the elevator headed to my office the door closed and I heard someone say..."was that a friend of yours?" They must have seen me talking to and hugging the young man. I wish you could have seen the puzzled looks on their faces when I said "No, I've never seen him before today." as I walked out of the elevator.

I shared this with you today to remind you that sometimes it's the little things we do, I know a lot of people look for some big thing to do like preach or sing in the choir or start some big ministry...but sometimes it's those little small (but not insignificant moments) that we can take advantage of to share,show, and shine the light and love of God. As you go about your busy day today...I challenge you to become aware of the small things you can do that will go a long way towards making life better you and for someone else.