So I’m sitting at Borders with my girls (Rachel and Alli). I’m done with my book “The Great Emergence” by Phyllis Tickle. Fricking amazing read! I’ve finished the work I needed to do. I’ve got U2’s new album playing on my headphones, and now I just realized I haven’t really noticed anyone around the last 2 hours we’ve been here (except for the loud group of old ladies playing dominos at the table near by). But now I’ve got a few minutes to notice and pray.

The young lady behind me eating her homemade lunch and typing a paper on her laptop. Stressed. Typing frantically. God help her to finish her paper well. Help her to do well in her classes this semester. Help her to actually learn something that matters.

The two middle-aged women engaged in deep conversation as long as we’ve been here. The one I can see keeps putting on a smile, but her eyes belay something different, a deep hurt. I’m consciously trying not to eavesdrop so I have my headphones on, but something is going on there. God give her peace, protect her family, give her hope and joy. Guard her heart.

The young Hispanic woman with the nice smile working at the coffee bar. Even with a line of customers she kept her smile and even talked with Rachel and Alli. God, thanks for her joy and friendliness. Give her success today in her job. Help her supervisors notice what an asset she is. May she have a good amount of tips today. May she have enough income to pay her bills.

The old man with suspenders and a walker coming towards me slowly. We look eyes. I smile. He smiles back. I pull out a headphone and ask how he is. He smiles bigger and asks how I am. God ease whatever pain he’s in. Give him dignity and comfort in his old age. Help others to recognize what an asset he is and to esteem him. Surround him with people who care, who help, who love. Be with him in a tangible way today.

Time to leave but it feels good to think of others for a solid 15 minutes. And it feels good to know that God is thinking about them as well. That somehow I’m joining with Him in His thoughts.

I was amazed afterward at what a spiritual experience it felt like. Almost like worship Imagine that.

-Darrin