A friend I don’t see often invited me for a coffee date via text.  My first thought when I saw her message was, “I really don’t have time.  I’m just so busy.”  My fingers began to type back a message declining the invitation to meet and catch up.  Before I could hit “send” something tugged at me.  I took just a moment and really thought about her offer and how I was too busy to meet. 

In that moment, I took notice that most of the time it felt difficult to take a deep breath with all of my rushing around before moving on to the next item on my “to-do” list.  But in the midst of all my busy-ness, I was actually feeling alone.  Rushing around doesn’t afford you much of an opportunity to be still and connect with other people.  Here was a friend reaching out to me and I was turning her down. 

With my finger still poised over the “send” button, I started to delete my response and write a new one.  “Yes, I’d love to…” became my new message.  Quickly I hit send before I could change my mind. 

I went on that coffee date.  While I can’t remember exactly what we talked about or how long we nursed our lattes while her preschooler colored at the table, I do remember feeling uplifted and supported during our talk.  Spending time sitting with a friend helped me gain a little positive perspective on my tasks I was missing that morning. 

Before we left the coffee shop, my friend asked me something she asks me every time we are together.  She said,

How can I pray for you today?

I get emotional even now thinking about her question.  It was such a gift to not only be asked, but then to know she and her family would include my special intentions in their prayers. As I shared what I was weighing on my heart, I knew it was God who had sent her text to me requesting this coffee date.  He knew that I not only needed to look up from my “to-do” list to recognize Him working in my life, but that I also needed a break from the loneliness I’ve been feeling lately. It was God meeting me over Coffee through His messenger.

We parted after I asked her how I could remember her in my prayers, feeling blessed with the responsibility of holding her special intention close to my heart. Leaving the coffee shop, I sat in my car for a few moments and prayed to God in gratitude.  Even though I was wrapped up in my own issues and busy-ness, He sent me a friend to remind me I am not alone and that He loves me.