There I was standing in the pick-up line in a crowded Starbucks with my anxious dad who wanted to get back to my brother's wrestling match before we missed it. In the chaos of this way too small crowded and popular coffee shop, I wasn't thinking about anything but getting my drink and leaving. That is until fate stepped in and made me thankful for coincidental events.
Let me start from the beginning. I really wasn't in the mood to drive all the way into Atlanta from Duluth to see my 13-year-old brother roll around on the ground and fight other boys. The twisting of body parts on a mat is not exactly how I like to see my baby brother. I was also running on three hours of sleep and wanted to snuggle back in my bed until my hot yoga class at 11.
However, my dad who had just finished his shower, would not let me turn my back on him before he reminded me that being selfish is not an option when it comes to supporting family... I knew he was right so I went. Ugh.
I got my butt up and showered, put on make-up, dressed in a warm sweater and boots, and got in the car. I wanted Starbucks right away because obviously caffeine was much needed when I had zero sleep, but we didn't have time. Ugh, again.
I'm doing the right thing for my brother and I don't get my coffee? A big ugh.
But, after giving me a few encouraging and praising words that "he knew I would do the right thing in the end when I took a second to wake up," Dad promised me my warm white-chocolate mocha when my brother finished his first set of matches.
So there I was, cold and tired, but I watched as he won the first two matches and was unbelievable at doing it - my brother rocked it! I can't lie, I was so impressed and so proud, and filled with joy when I got to hug him after and he couldn't stop smiling. So sappy, I know, but he's my baby brother, what can I say? I know that my presence made him feel so loved and that made me feel so loved.
So finally we get to Starbucks and it's taking FOREVER... But that's Starbucks in Atlanta for ya.
Then, with fate having a mind of its own, my dad spots probably the most important business man in his line of work and we say hi for a second. I meet him, make a kick-butt first impression by talking about college and UGA, the same school he went to back in the day, and how thankful I am to living in Athens under my dad's dime. Yes, I was kissing up a little but it was the least I could do for my dad.
It's funny how if I hadn't gone to my brother's wrestling match, my dad wouldn't have had a reason to go to Starbucks. And if we hadn't had a reason to go to Starbucks, my dad wouldn't have gotten an edge on a very successful man whose opinion of my dad and our family influences a lot of future decisions for my dad's career.
It's funny how fate (but probably God) throws these little reminders at us that He has a plan for every little part of our day and our lives. He knows exactly what is going to happen when we choose our attitude - good or bad.
And this time my good decision to be a supportive sister favored my dad - making me an awesome daughter, basically. :-)
Life can be extremely rewarding when others are on our minds, especially family.
