More Than a Cup of Coffee

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“When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or the life of another.” – Helen Keller

Yesterday morning I had a house guest. I could hear that she was ready to come downstairs so before I went upstairs to wake the kids, I made her a cup of coffee and left it on the counter with a note.

When I returned with the kids, she said, “I can’t believe you had time to make me a cup of coffee.”

She turned to Mr. D and said, “Your mom is a miracle worker.” I smiled because it really was not a big deal. But no one need worry that I’ll get all puffed up because Mr. D replied,

“My mom is a mommy.”

It reminded me that as we go through our day, what we do is largely interpreted by the roles we play: parent, friend, sibling, daughter/son, grandparent, neighbor, project manager, boss, boy/girl scout, whatever. Those around us expect us to perform our duties as per our roles. And when we do, it seems then we don’t stand out for all the many things we do.

But that doesn’t make our best efforts any less miraculous. Especially when we are getting it done under tough or stressful circumstances, we are touching others as we do our “jobs.” The stretch that it takes to be a little more intentional, a little more careful or put in a little more effort to do it right will change us and the people around, even if it’s not immediately visible.

We can’t control how or whether other people will see us. But as the Helen Keller quote says, when we do our best, we never know how it’ll touch others. Hopefully for the better.

And if nobody notices, perhaps they have not yet had their cup of coffee. 😊

Has anyone noticed what you have done recently? Or do you have a story about noticing someone else’s best efforts?

48 thoughts on “More Than a Cup of Coffee”

  1. I try to be cognizant of the effort people put into their days, their projects, their lives– and then say something good about it. HOWEVER it’s easy to get wrapped up in my own life and forget to do so. This is a good reminder to do better.

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  2. I think Mr. D summed it up well, because moms become miracle workers out of necessity. 😍 But I agree on the roles part – funny how one person can be different “things” to different people – with different dynamics. And I loved the part about being intentional! Those things go a long way. As Ally said, this was a great reminder of that!

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    1. That’s so true about moms, Kendra! Yes, we are all different things to different people – such a good point! Happy Friday to someone who I’m sure does a lot of good by being intentional and thoughtful as I see it in your comments to me!

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  4. Love the post…but I got stuck at the beginning. THAT PHOTO of D holding a cup of coffee w/shades on? Could he be any cooler/cuter? The thing about women (especially) and roles is that we are expected to shape-shift and morph so quickly – into and out of so many – it’s easy to neglect the need to celebrate how versatile we can be. That alone is praise-worthy. 😘xo!

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    1. Yes – I love that photo too. ❤ It's maybe a year old but still holds my heart.

      You are so right that we are expected to shape shift as women. Something I know you've mastered and have a lot to teach us all about. Here's to celebrating that – a great idea, Vicki!

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    2. So true! I once saw a sign that said that “A compliment is verbal sunshine” 🙂 And yet, do you think that sometimes people find it easier to take kindness for granted and yet feel prickly at the slightest opportunity?

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      2. That’s a great sign! I suppose negativity bias can have us overly focused on the negative so we feel prickly. I’d prefer some verbal sunshine instead!! Thanks, EW!

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  8. I like to remind myself that I play a lot of different roles and wear different hats . . . but the role that matters the most are the ones I play for my family and what’s inside my heart. If I’m good there, all the other hats will be fine. If I’m not, then we have trouble. Lovely post.

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  9. Thanks for sharing this great post with us, Wynne!
    Yes, I have a wonderful account of noticing someone else’s best efforts. It was several years ago, on one of my very long solo motorcycle trips. I finally had to pull my motorcyle (which was having mechanical problems) off the main highway, into St. Louis, Missouri. It was at a service station, and I approached a man who was filling his van if he knew of any motorcycle shops nearby. He showed genuine concern, and also took the time to write down directions to the shop. As I was standing beside his van a few minutes later, he asked me my name and said a short but very meaningful prayer for my well being, and safe travel back to Canada. At the time, it raised the hairs on my arms, and it still brings tears to my eyes when I think of him. God bless him! 🙏

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  10. I just love how honest and grounding kids are. But just now that when Mr D says “mommy,” it is meant in the most superhero referential way!

    And I agree about roles and perception. T has no idea what I do outside of being his nagging, bumbling parent. And I love it that way. 😆

    Have a nice weekend.

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  11. Thank you for this Wynne, a reminder that miracles are wrought in love, and love is wrought in another four letter word . . . time . . . even in the brief moments it takes to prepare a cup of coffee for someone. Keep on brewing and pouring it out lady, and . . . Be Blessed!

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  12. Thanks for this reminder Wynne that miracles are birthed in Love, and Love requires investment in another four letter word . . . Time.

    The time you took to loving prepare a cup of coffee was perhaps was another “…entertaining angels unaware…” moment so often bypassed attending to everyday demanding and mundane chores.

    Keep on ‘brewing’ and spreading your love in action lady. God’s smiling, and Your two precious little ones are watching 😊

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  13. Beautiful post and a cute photo of Mr. D!
    I remembered this incident from 2012:
    Two totally different ways of looking at one incident:
    A student accidentally rammed into my back in the playground. As I instinctively reached for support to break my fall, I happened to grab a student’s shirt and accidentally scratch him lightly. Mortified, I profusely apologized, and sent him to the nurse, for her to record.
    Embarrassed, (wishing I had not reached for support) and fearing the worst, I called the parents. The dad said “I don’t know why you are apologizing Ms. U. Our child came home and told us proudly that he is so strong that he saved his teacher!” I was so touched.
    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once said: “The little things are infinitely the most important.”

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    1. Oh my goodness – I absolutely love that story. That is so priceless!! And I bet that student still remembers that proud moment. Thank goodness we fall sometimes so that others can catch us. Beautiful, Chaya. Thanks for sharing that – it made my night!

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  14. I am always surprised when people thank me for the job done, because it seems to me normal, I am doing my job the best I can, in different contexts, like at work, home, when I go to the gym, ….And I believe that if we always try to do our best, our efforts will be noticed, for the good.

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  16. “We can’t control how or whether other people will see us. But as the Helen Keller quote says, when we do our best, we never know how it’ll touch others. Hopefully for the better.” Well done post! The photo of Mr. D again, priceless!

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  17. I’m an assistant, so most of what I do is behind the scenes, unnoticed. It’s always nice when someone notices when I’ve done something well! Last week a Director of a different division remarked that the organization is lucky to have me because my skill set doesn’t usually come with the people working this kind of job. I felt seen. I felt appreciated.

    PS, the photo of Mr. D is stinkin’ cute!

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    1. Oh, what a lovely comment from someone outside your organization. I love that! And isn’t it true that when things go well, people rarely notice? But I suppose that’s a compliment in and of itself! Nice work, Tamara!

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      1. You’re so right! Yet, when they don’t run smoothly we hear about it, don’t we?! LOL!

        Thanks so much for your kind words!

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  18. Adorable post! And yes I’ve been getting noticed a lot at work for things and it’s an odd thing to get used to. And it’s also oddly compelling me to look more internally at myself at the things that aren’t so great. Maybe bc I can feel my ego getting puffed up with praise and my first thought is I’m amazing! I’m perfect! I’m unstoppable! But then it’s like, no wait, no I’m not. I’m great but I’m not 💯 perfect, no one is. What is here that can be improved? Trust me, I’m enjoying the attention, but I’m the kind of person that needs to keep it in check 💖 This is a very relevant post for me today, thank you!

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    1. Love this comment, Libby! And that exhibition guide is beautiful so no wonder you are getting heaps of praise. So interesting that all the praise makes you reflective. I love how self-aware you are! Amazing!!

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  20. What a wonderful perspective on life’s talents and gifts. This reminds me of a recent trip to Costco. I witnessed a child having a meltdown in a cart. I walked over and asked them if it was too much (the lights, the nose, the smell) they hesitated and nodded yes. I noticed they had a blanket, and encouraged them to put it over them, and pretend they we’re riding in a spaceship. The child giggled, and  placed the blanket on their head. The mom looked at me and asked me, what I did for a living…lol

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