If I’m writing, you can almost bet I’m sitting at my local coffee shop. Okay, it’s a Starbucks and yes, I’m a gold card member. I have finally arrived.

One of the best things about going to the coffee shop to write is that I get to be around all of interesting people. Of course, one of the bad things about writing at the coffee shop is, you guessed it, all the interesting people. Too often I get distracted by a fun conversation and do more talking than writing.

Tonight I got my coffee, sat down with my computer and started to settle in and get some work done. And then, it happened again. The kindest grandmother type of lady was sitting right next to me. One of the things I like about Starbucks is the long bench style sitting. It forces you to sit next to a stranger, but alas, I don’t know the meaning of the word.

So anyway, all of a sudden she looked at me and asked if I was working or just surfing the net. I explained to her that I’m a new writer and that tonight I was planning on writing a blog post. She asked what I write about so I showed her a copy of my book. She said that she was a Christian as well and told me about her church. She then told me about the volunteer work she does and how much she likes it.

Our conversation wasn’t all that long, but it was very interesting. She was so kind and acted as if we had been friends for years. I was actually sad when she got up to leave.

You know, it’s funny how much of an impact you can have on someones day, or life for that matter, by just being kind a giving them a few minutes of your day. I like to think that more often that not I’m the one striking up the conversation with some poor unsuspecting person just trying to have a quiet cup of coffee. But you know what? It was so cool tonight. It really felt good to have a perfect stranger start a conversation with me and talk with me as if they actually cared about what I had to say.

I’m in the beginning stages of my new book, Hidden Angels, and what happened tonight is the basis of this book. If you let Him, God can use you in so many ways to help other people. I don’t really know why, but that kind lady really had a positive affect on me tonight. She really made me feel good inside.

To my point. During this busy holiday season, please remember that the best gift you can give to someone is yourself. By this I mean, giving of your time. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time, but it does need to be with 100% of your attention. Say hello to someone, ask how they’re doing, and take moment to listen and show you really care.

I promise you, if you do this, you can have a great impact on someone’s day and or life.

I thank God every day for showing me the little things that can have a great impact on another person’s life.

So, do you agree? Has this happened to you? Please share any story that might inspire others to give of themselves.

- Blessings