I Got You

I was at the coffee shop when someone offered to buy my drink. It was appreciated. I had bought the same gentleman his drink last week. I often do this, buying strangers or regulars their libation. It just makes me feel good.

I went to sit down next to another person I recognized, as I had worked with him in a supermarket years ago. We chatted for a bit and then began to do our respective work. Shortly after a woman came in with a small child. She began to explain to the child that they would have to leave as she had forgotten her wallet.

My former coworker suddenly got up and went to this woman and said he would buy her coffee and pastries, so that she could come back to pay him. She agreed, said she would be back shortly and thanked him. The young boy became very happy.

A conversation broke out between the three of us as my acquaintance exclaimed that the kindness of the person buying the drink inspired him. I told him of this pattern and have bought this a drink for the person who had shown me kindness last week. I told them about this not because I wanted credit, but that I am amazed by how easy attitudes and behaviors are passed between us.

The faces of all three adults and one child were bright and shining during this conversation. My acquaintance asked that she not bring the money back, but that she pass it on to someone else. We marveled at how easy it is to do something small that can mean more than the size of the act. We will inspire or infect others with our behavior and world view. If you come for coffee, I got you.