the Old Man in the Bakery

I hadn’t had the greatest morning and was consumed with negativity. Leaving my writing project sitting on the table at Ladder’s Coffee Bar, I walked the half block to Kennedy’s Bakery. Maybe a day-old donut would fix my world. (I’m all about the discount!)

An old guy sitting in the corner spoke as I entered, “Is it trying to rain?” His causal attire was topped off with a blue fishing hat. He had his coffee in hand and his newspaper laid out on the table.

(Photo Credit)

His manner seemed kind, inviting me to respond with more than the obligatory passing comment. I lingered as we discussed our gardens’ need for a good soaking rain.

After buying my day-old donut (or was it a bag of four or five?) I wished him a good day, “whether the sun shines or there is rain!” He smiled and thanked me.

I walked away from Kennedy’s with a far different attitude than I’d had minutes earlier. My negative thoughts and emotions derailed by a stranger’s simple question about the weather. The scripture about unknowingly entertaining angels came to mind. (Hebrews 13:2)

I don’t think the old man was an angel. But there was something about his spirit that communicated a depth of character, goodness, and gentleness. Something that ignited my longing to linger. A deep longing that uncovered my desire to be touched by the Father of my soul.

Crazy thing, just prior to this encounter I had been beating myself up for being far from the Fathering heart of God.

Perhaps God used the old man in the bakery to communicate that I’m not as far away as I thought.

Or perhaps God was reminding me that regardless of where I see myself, He is never far away.