A Quiet Cup of Coffee and the Strength of Being Seen

A Quiet Cup of Coffee and the Strength of Being Seen

This morning I had coffee with my pastor and my friend of more than two decades. Before he ever became a pastor, we were just two friends navigating life. He started as a youth pastor, and over time God opened the door for him to lead a church. Sitting across from him today felt like stepping back into the roots of our friendship, where honesty, truth, and brotherhood began.

We talked about life. We talked about the trials and the circumstances that have tested me. He checked on me, but he also checked on my family. He asked about my wife Barbi. He asked about Bella. He asked about my heart. And sometimes you do not realize how much you need someone to simply care until someone does.

The best part of our conversation was the reminder to recenter myself on what is true. To remember where my identity comes from. To remember that the noise of the world cannot give me direction and it cannot give me peace. When I stay grounded in who I am and whose I am, everything else can be put into perspective.

We talked about how easy it is to get isolated, mentally and emotionally. We talked about how the discipline of waking up every day, reading, growing, and reaching out is not just a practice. It is a lifeline. And today, I was grateful for the reminder that there are people who pray for me, love me, and want to see me whole.

We also talked about the truth that this world is temporary. Everything outside of who we are spiritually is vanity. When I forget that, I get caught up in the weight of moments that feel long and heavy. I was reminded that trials are not punishments. They are opportunities to become better versions of ourselves, to grow deeper, to show others what strength really looks like.

Bella sees me. She watches how I respond. She can see if I am walking in joy or bitterness. Barbi sees me too. She feels my energy. She knows if I am serving or if I am taking. Those two alone are reason enough to walk in truth.

Before we left, he shared a reminder from the book of James. Count it a joy when you go through trials. And sometimes the strongest thing you can do is be silent. When people speak falsely or make assumptions, silence is not weakness. Silence is strength. Those who know the truth do not need an explanation. Those who do not know the truth would not understand one anyway.

Today I was grateful. Grateful for a warm home. Grateful for a cup of coffee. Grateful for my wife and daughter. Grateful to sit with a friend who sees me, hears me, and reminds me that I am not alone. These small moments are the real wealth of life.