You Never Know What You'll Learn Over Coffee

The start of a beautiful moment can produce meaningful conversations.

Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me why I love conversations.

Thirteen of us, family and new friends, gathered at a wonderful family-owned coffee bar with great coffee, modern, relaxing décor and furnishings, and even better vibes. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and filled with the kind of energy that makes you want to linger. They have a space they call "the living room," and that's exactly what it felt like. We took it over. It has windows all around, and you can see the trees and beautiful landscaping.

There was a mix of adults and children in our group. Everyone ordered something different. Coffee. Lattes. Cappuccinos. Specialty coffee drinks with unique flavor combinations. Fresh pastries. Homemade croissant sandwiches with turkey, ham, and cheese.

It was simply a beautiful day, on all levels.

As one of the owners and a young waitress moved in and out of the room delivering drinks, pastries, and sandwiches, conversations flowed naturally. If you know me, you know I don't meet a stranger. I enjoyed chatting with other customers as they came into the coffee bar. I saw friends I already knew. Two young Army first lieutenants were visiting the coffee bar for the first time. My friends and I, all veterans, struck up a conversation with them. They asked for our advice, and we shared it. Meanwhile, the boys in our group were out on the sun deck talking and laughing together.

Then I heard one of the servers come in and call out, "Cappuccino with hazelnut!"

One of the boys in our group came in from the sun deck and walked over to pick it up. He had just turned fourteen last month.

I smiled and said, "Aww...hazelnut."

His mom, sitting next to me, laughed and said, "Oh, he's a coffee connoisseur."

Well, that was all the invitation I needed.

I called him over and invited him to sit beside me so we could talk about our shared love of coffee. He sat down, took a sip of his cappuccino, and we talked for a few minutes because I wanted to get to know him.

Then his mother casually mentioned that he had just performed at Carnegie Hall.

What? New York's Carnegie Hall?

I looked at him and asked even more questions. As we continued talking, I learned that he is a classical pianist and a baritone singer. Everyone around us shifted their attention to him. We looked at photos and watched viral videos of him playing. He was humble and matter-of-fact about it. But we celebrated his accomplishments, admired his discipline, and enjoyed hearing about his experiences.

What made the moment even more special was that the thirteen of us had all shared dinner together the evening before. We just met the young man, his mother, his two little sisters, his grandmother, his great grandmother; his cousin, and Auntie. We laughed, enjoyed a wonderful meal, and spent time together. Yet I had no idea about this remarkable part of his life until we started talking over coffee.

I later asked, "So...do people call you a prodigy?"

He said yes.

I smiled and thought to myself...

This is why I love conversations. Each day we’re surrounded by remarkable people. When we really talk something remarkable happens.

We learn.

We grow.

We laugh.

We celebrate one another.

We become inspired.

All because someone started a conversation.

Yesterday wasn't just about coffee. It wasn't just about pastries or croissant sandwiches. It wasn't just about spending time with family and new friends.

It was about discovering something extraordinary about someone who had been with us all along.

I think you have those moments too. I do, practically every day and it is with people with know and don’t know.

Do me a favor and notice those moments. They just may spark the joy you're craving. They may just give you a new idea or strategy. They just connect you with a new friend. They will definitely remind you of the power of meaningful conversations, and the power each of us have as a human being made in the image and likeness of Almighty God. You Never Know What You'll Learn Over Coffee.

As I always say: In these days of ever-evolving technology, remember that a conversation is still THE most powerful communication on the planet! Make it a great day, and we’ll talk next time right here on Conversations with Daisy Jones.