I was sitting there minding my own business.

I’d arrived early to meet a friend at a coffee shop and had brought my laptop with me to catch up on some work while waiting.

I found an empty seat sequestered in a corner; popped in my AirPods; and set up my makeshift office.

With praise music softly filling my ears, I opened my laptop and began to type.

Before long, a young lady who had been sitting at the opposite end of the coffee shop got up and came over to sit right next to me.

I thought that was a bit odd but continued with my work.

Within a few seconds, she turned to face me and began to cry.

“Are you okay,” I asked.

She shook her head no.

“Would you like a hug,” I asked.

She threw herself into my arms.

Then, for the next hour, she talked. About all sorts of things – her grandpa who had passed away recently; her art; the job she eventually wanted to have; her boyfriend; and her favorite color.

I listened.

Honestly, I sat there wondering if there was something specific God wanted me to say to this young lady.

But God was quiet. So I was too.

I just listened.

I gave her a big hug before she left that day and prayed briefly for her as we embraced.

When she was gone, I sat there for several minutes wondering if I’d missed God somehow. Was there something I should have said but just didn’t hear Him?

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” (James 1:19 CSB)

It was the divine reassurance I needed.

Sometimes, “loving our neighbor” is as simple as being present in the moment and listening.

In a world where most people talk over one another or at one another, the ability and willingness to just listen is a gift.

Like an oasis in a desert.

Welcome, refreshing, and life-giving.

I pray that we would be watchful for how God might use us today to reflect His heart as we show up in someone’s life and listen.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!