Hugged by Jazz and a Caramel Mocha

I know, I know, it sounds strange. But here’s my story, and I’m sticking to it….

It’s been a very long, stressful month so far, and even if I told you all the odd and frustrating things that have happened, you likely wouldn’t believe me. This morning I felt completely overwhelmed by it all, and found myself praying a rather desperate “God, please give me strength to just get through this. You’ve got to help me, or I can never do this. Please, please help me!”

I arrived at work, not exactly in the best frame of mind, but at least I had a smile on my face. But then a co-worker started talking about some family problems, and ended up in tears while she explained what was going on in her life. And God somehow gave me the strength to get out of my own little pity party long enough to listen, to encourage, to hug her.

The UPS driver arrived, grumbling about how he disliked Thursdays, and how the loader hadn’t done her job properly that morning, and how it was messing up his schedule for his route. And somehow God gave me the strength to stop pouting about my swollen and hurting knee, and cajole Robert out of his bad mood so that he’d drive away with a smile on his face.

And then (such delight!) I discovered I had almost an hour between jobs. Hurray for coffee shops!

I settled in with my drink, propped my knee in what I hoped would be a not-too-uncomfortable position, and enjoyed the quiet in my little corner of the shop. The soft jazz swirled around my head, my heart started beating at a normal pace instead of matching my chaotic morning schedule, and I sipped my mocha while God quieted my thoughts.

And I suddenly felt hugged. Hugged by my God, who can apparently use jazz and caramel mochas to hug me. It was as if He wrapped His arms around me and whispered, “It’s all gonna be okay. I’m giving you the strength you need for the moment you need it. You’re going to make it through this.” And my heart felt so much more peaceful than it has in a while.

I know, it seems strange. And I certainly do not intend to sound flippant or disrespectful, but I think God uses jazz and caramel mochas when he gives hugs.