In my field of work I'm always attending a seminar of some sort. This week I attended a seminar on the other side of town. Though I would not say that this seminar was one of my favorites, none-the-less I learned one or two things. Of course this is far from the point of this blog. LOL!
During the seminar my empty stomach felt a little hungry. So during the first break I made my way to the vending machine. I'm sorry I didn't mention that this was a free seminar with no food - they did have ice water and coffee. Wanting to save my protein bar for later, I purchased a pack of cheese peanut crackers. As I strolled around the seminar room - I scarfed down my crackers. Not once did I think to offer anyone a cracker. I mean - they could go buy their own $.40 pack of crackers. I was starving - a big exaggeration. But sharing was no where on my mind. Unaware of a gentleman walking up behind, I turned quickly -guarding my crackers. "Excuse me! I didn't mean to startle you. Can you tell me where the vending machine is?"
Returning back to my seat. I drank some of my Chai Latte from Starbucks. If you don't like coffee, give the Soy Chai, no water a try. I digress. The older gentleman took his seat one over from me. "You can't resist a Famous Amos cook (he pointed his open bag at me." Yea, rite! I mean they were good when thy first came out. But now that it's a corporate business...you know how it is. But I smiled out of kindness to his warm offer. "Please! take two, take two."
I gave him my thank you as I sat nibbling on my small little cookies. Soon a conversation ensued. I can't say I remember much of what the conversation was...it went from where I worshiped to an engraving machine. But an offer of two cookies opened up a conversation between two strangers. "Have another one! I have two left. You take one and I'll eat the other. No please, take one. Ok" I refused the third cookie - one of the last two in the bag - because I was not supposed to have the other two to begin with.
How often do we offer to share our last with the stranger one seat over from us. Yes, he was a church going man - an active member. But still, how often do Christians look over and offer a small something that might add a smile to an individual that we may never see again. I don't think the true kindness was in the offering of the two cookies, but offering one of the two last cookies with joy. There was a big smile on his face as he pointed the bag in my direction. An instance at my no thank you. And an almost sadness at my humble refusal.
As Christians we should find joy in sharing. Not just our faith - and there should be joy in that - but in sharing whatever it is that God lays upon our heart - with a perfect stranger. I have to admit sharing is not my strong point. But I believe that God allowed that gentleman to share something more valuable than cookies with me. He reminded me of 1. how God willingly shared the greatest gift us 2. that I need to learn to share - my faith, my heart and every now and then a cookie (whatever that might be).
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