The Gift Goes On

By Belinda

At the end of September I wrote about a breakfast date at Canada's best breakfast restaurant: Cora’s; with my young musician friend; Luisa.. The post was entitled Go to the Instrument, and in it, among other things, I described our comedy of errors in getting together--me missing my exit from the highway and getting delayed by construction as I tried to backtrack to the restaurant--and Luisa sleeping in.

In the process of all of the mix ups--before we actually did connect and have a wonderful four hour visit together, I had breakfast alone thinking that Luisa was not coming. Eating alone in a restaurant was something I had never done before and I found it unexpectedly wonderful; sitting with a book, some delicious oatmeal, and a coffee cup that was filled every time I emptied it. I wrote that God had given me a gift I hadn't expected that morning, the gift of solitude--and later I also got the gift I was looking forward to--a visit with Luisa.

Earlier that month that I had gone to a different Cora’s for breakfast with my friend Irene, and as we were paying for our meal I had noticed at the cash register, a silent auction fund raiser for the family of Constable Garrett Styles a local young police officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty in July. The winner of the silent auction would get a Cora's VIP card. I noticed that the bids put in were rather low. Turning to Irene I said with a smile, "I'm going to ramp the bidding up to another level," and I put in a bid that I felt was more in keeping with the cause. I had no idea what a VIP card was, but hoped that others would take up the challenge and build on my bid.

I forgot all about it until one day last week, when I arrived home from work and found a message on our phone saying that  I was the winner of the silent auction and could I come in any time and pay for my "VIP card." No one else had topped the bid I hadn't really expected to win, but I didn't mind at all. My heart went out to the young police officer's family.

When I got to the restaurant, I had to ask, "What is a VIP card? What exactly did I win?"

The restaurant manager handed me a card the size of a business card, and on the back there were twelve yellow stars. He explained that it entitled me to a breakfast at Cora's every month for twelve months.

It didn't take long to realize that the card was a gift from God. Because of the card I have "permission" to take time alone once a month for a year, free from distraction. I will choose something from my reading/study pile and revel in the sheer luxury of solitude.

And how like God to show me the gift that he already knew I was getting; through the breakfast mix up with Luisa.

So like God; the giver of the best gifts..

Comments

Cindy B. said…
A terrific gift and the best kind of gift - unexpected and desirable.

My hubby and I go out for breakfast every Saturday morning about 8 am. Probably twice a month we arrange to meet with friends. Best of all worlds, time with friends, no house to clean up, no dishes to wash, and a whole day to do whatever needs to be done because by 10:00 we are all on our way. Everyone is fresh in the morning and there is a whole week to share with others.

And, you are right, Cora's is a great place to go.
Susan said…
Take your laptop... You can probably get some serious writing done there!
Cora's is a wonderful place for breakfast. They have great oatmeal, I agree, but try their brie and mushroom eggs benny one time, just one time. For me.
Belinda said…
Dear Cindy,
Thank you for celebrating the gift with me!

Your breakfasts sound wonderful! We all work so hard--it is a treat to be waited upon!
Belinda said…
Susan, I might just take my little laptop along! Who knows what might be birthed at Cora's. :)
Belinda said…
Oh Dave--you bet I will try the mushroom eggs benedict with brie--just for you. :)

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