Recently, my husband and I, along with our 10 yr old granddaughter, grabbed lunch at a city diner. We had contemplated returning back to our 'hood and lunching at a place where we often ate....a place where we were familiar with menu selections and atmosphere. Instead we opted to branch out of our comfort zone and try some place new.
So we stepped into this 50's inspired downtown diner where breakfast is served 24/7 along with the usual burgers and fries and where the employees know their regulars. We decided to sit at the counter in order to get the full diner experience. We took notice of the legendary posters that adorned the walls ... James Dean, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe ... and had quite the conversation with our granddaughter regarding each of the famous Hollywood stars while we waited for our order. As our food arrived, a gentleman entered the diner and sat next to me at the counter. Without a glance to the menu, he placed his order. He had been here before. Now, when you choose to sit at a counter, you can expect to be in conversation with whomever sits next to you. It's just the friendly thing to do. So a conversation was had over a hamburger and fries (for me) and scrambled eggs with sweet potato fries (for him). He shared about his sobriety (5 years!), his health journey (recovering from a stroke), his twin sister (always a light-hearted competition with her but one he's currently ahead of in terms of health scores ), and his beautiful daughter (proud dad moment as he shared pictures from his phone). As we were leaving, I wished him a good day and good luck as he continued with his healthy life choices. He replied ..."it was nice chatting with you." Once outside the diner, my granddaughter.- having noticed my diner conversation - asked if this man was my friend. My husband and I glanced at each other before replying. Was he a friend? Or merely a stranger who just happened to be friendly? I suppose both answers would be correct. I answered yes. We went on our way, back to our 'hood and our familiar surroundings. Our bellies full of yummy diner food and our hearts full with a new friendship. The world needs more friendship opportunities, don't you think? #makeafriend #beafriend #dinerfood #dinerexperiences #citydiner
0 Comments
This is becoming my favorite little quiet space of refuge and respite. Tucked in the corner of our bedroom with a backyard view, I can sit in this spot and just get lost for a while.
It has also become my favorite place to "escape to the wilderness" in order to meet with God. (Luke 5:16) Finding that sacred space to be alone with God - totally free of distractions - hasn't always been easy for me. I can be all alone in a space (closet, car, bathroom, basement, etc.) and still struggle to be alone with God because of the thoughts that constantly swirl around in my head. Anyone else? In reading about Jesus's prayer time, He would often leave the crowds behind...seeking out lonely spaces ... in order to meet with God. Jesus demonstrated a need and a desire to meet with God. Often. And if we are to draw near to Him, we need that time, too. Leave your thoughts behind. Seek out lonely spaces. Escape to the wilderness. Meet with God. Where is your wilderness spot? If you could go back in time, would you?
This was me, 40 years ago. I was just beginning my senior year in high school. I had already experienced a broken heart or two and was determined not to let it happen again. Instead...I was going to be the heartbreaker (in my thoughts, at least). I wanted to be seen as a confident soon-to-be high school graduate but in reality, I was anything but confident. I longed for peer acceptance and yet struggled with personal acceptance. I knew it all but knew nothing. I had great plans but no plans at all. I wanted it all but didn't know what I wanted. It was a crazy season of changes, love, and life. I wouldn't do anything different because that would mean everything about me now would be different, too. To the girl I was 40 years ago...you're going to be ok. |
Archives
July 2023
Categories |