Every now and then, a story will speak to me on multiple levels. Here is such a story, shared by inspirational writer and speaker, John O’Leary (www.johnolearyinspires.com):

A small drip coffee and a blueberry muffin. This was the order placed at a Starbucks by a gentleman named Jim. Jim didn’t seem like he had many friends or family. He lived alone across the street from this coffee shop in a retirement home. Every afternoon at 2pm, he’d walk across from his apartment, walk in with a big smile and place the same order. There was a short interaction between Jim and the baristas working. They’d thank him for coming, offer him a compliment and a good-natured criticism of his beloved Philadelphia Eagles. Then, they’d tell him they looked forward to seeing him tomorrow. In other words, they would simply be kind to a gentleman who frequently felt alone.

These baristas would do one additional thing before handing Jim his coffee and blueberry muffin. They would write a short note of encouragement on it. It wasn’t much. They’d write a favorite quote, affirmation or acknowledgment that they were grateful for him. Jim would take his items, thank the baristas and walk back to his retirement home.

One afternoon as it approached 3pm, they realized Jim hadn’t made it in yet. When he failed to return the following day, a barista walked across the street to check in on him. The receptionist shared that Jim had passed away over the weekend. Although these Starbucks baristas only knew Jim from their momentary interactions with him, every one of their hearts broke when they learned the news. Jim had become part of their family.

The following morning a family member entered the store and invited them to the memorial service taking place the following afternoon. As humbling as it was to be invited, it was what they saw entering into this facility that caused them to lose their breath. In this room, with just a few family members and friends, were three large round tables. These tables were stacked high with old Starbucks cup sleeves with handwritten notes on them.

Jim may not have received lots of visitors, may not have received lots of mail, but every day he received a simple love letter from his friends across the street. And after finishing the muffin, or drinking the coffee, he would add the new sleeve to the stack to be reminded of the love that others felt for him.

Writing a simple note on a bag. Offering a little encouragement on a cup. Looking people in the eyes. Seeing someone else as a unique, worthy and important individual. This all seems so little, insignificant, small. But for Jim, it was a reminder that he mattered, that he fit in, and that there were people who loved him.

Today, be reminded of the magnificent power of your life to influence change for good. It turns out regardless of our age, status or job title, that the ripples created by our actions truly do have the ability to impact lives around the world, across the street and across the aisle.

In light of this story, my question is simple: How might today’s actions “write” tomorrow’s legacy?

Blessings,
Pastor David Duncan