Every single morning, at some time before noon, it is never ever the same time, but it is always every single day, I will walk into the coffee shop and stand patiently in line and eventually when I get to the counter no matter who happens to be working that day, that very sweet woman or man will act as if my arrival is the most exciting moment of their entire day and gush and fuss and make absolutely certain that I know, without a doubt, that I am loved, adored, and appreciated.

I rarely, if ever, mention to any of them, that I am there for coffee. That part just happens magically.

In fact, I'm not even certain that I go there for the coffee.

At this point, after 8 years of this daily ritual, I'm convinced that I go there for worship. Not theirs, mine. I bet you think it is for their adoration, but truthfully, I go because I know that when they acknowledge that they see me, I know, for certain, that I'm still here.

And I am so very, very grateful.