“The most treasured and sacred moments of our lives are those filled with the spirit of love.” ― Joseph B Wirthlin

I started a tradition not too long ago, of having coffee ‘together’ with my friends.

A virtual ‘gathering spot’ of sorts, intended to encourage the spirit of community, no matter how very far away. Every Sunday we ‘met’ in my garden – sharing cherished stories with every cup of tea. Though the internet brought us closer, it was this energy of sharing which connected our hearts.

Finally, the power of social media might be harnessed for the purpose of a much greater good.

And, as silly as this may seem, I rather looked forward to these morning meetings – as, inevitably they offered the joy-filled gifts of gratitude…reflection…and, love.

One morning, a neighbor poked his head over the fence. He had heard our laughter from several yards away, and couldn’t help but to be drawn in. I think, at first, he may have been a little put off by the idea. I mean, imagine having morning tea with those who were half a world away?

And then, one day he joined us – bringing a box of scones to share. How delightful that my silly tradition had now grown by a factor of one ~ 🙂

Kindness ripples, my darlings…and, those rings of compassion connect us all.

Well, imagine my surprise this morning as I watched my neighbor smile from across the away,

“I’m taking them scones,” he shouted, “sharing the love, you know!”

His father had recently passed away, after a long battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He once described the loss of his father as a ‘deep hole that could never be filled.’ There was a dark emptiness to his eyes, a desperate longing to make things right.

One morning, I shared with him the story of Dan the Coffee Man. He, too, watched as his father battled this devastating disease – and, through each chemotherapy session, Dan never left his father’s side.

Having felt so powerless, one day Dan asked himself, “How can I make this better for others?” That was the beginning of the now famous, “Dan’s Coffee Run” And though, Dan has never once been connected to a chemotherapy infusion machine – nevertheless, he knew from his Dad’s experience just how difficult it was to sit in that chair. So, he began delivering coffee and treats twice weekly – just to put a little smile on the faces of the patients. It’s not about the money, he’d say – this is an act of love.

So, on this day, I watch with heart-felt smile – as I watch my neighbor carry on the tradition of caring. Like Dan, he’s off to visit the patients – for the purpose of sharing his love.

How magnificent the changes we can effect when we put our whole hearts into it!

Imagine what might be accomplished when we are able to put compassion first. <3