hope

…you’re in line at your favorite coffee drive-through, about to indulge in your favorite non-fat-mocha-caramel-swirl-extra-whipped-cream-iced cup of greatness (or maybe just a nice cup of joe). You have your card ready to go, but when you pull up to the window to pay, the barista tells you that the car in front of you has already paid for your beverage. 

What on earth?! You’re excited, confused, and a bit bewildered. You quickly crane your neck to see if you can catch a glimpse of the car, the license plate, or even the driver in hopes of making sense of this act of kindness. 

Just as you suspect, the person in front of you is a complete stranger. 

Has this ever happened to you before? Can you imagine the feelings of gratitude, surprise, and ‘wow my day was just made!’ that might wash over you in that instance?

Some people might revert to the common saying ‘there are still good people in the world.’ 

Well, of course there are! Though we are often quick to forget because our daily path can feel so focused on our individual obligations, there is so much community and human kindness all around us. 

The simple act of buying a stranger coffee will not only instill silent feelings of joy in yourself by helping another, but undoubtedly remind that stranger that they are cared for and that indeed, there are still good people in the world.