God, Coffee, and a Cute Stranger I’ll Never Forget

 God, Coffee, and a Cute Stranger I’ll Never Forget

It’s the third Saturday of July 2025. Waking up early on weekends was never my cup of tea, but I made a promise to myself — to start showing up, especially to invitations and meaningful gatherings. So despite the gloomy weather, I dragged myself out of bed and straight into a freezing 6:00 AM shower. I’m telling you, the water felt like -10 degrees — I tested it with my fingers! I spent more than 30 minutes trying to negotiate with the icy stream, both mentally and physically.

The night before, I had already mapped out my Saturday plans. I’ve come to love this kind of routine, mostly because I make it feel like I’m living in one of those K-dramas or romantic western films. There’s something comforting about creating my own little main character moments — filling the void of being alone, and intentionally steering clear of love’s messy trap.

I admit it: my walls were built thick and high, brick by brick from disappointments I’ve had to carry over the years. And while I’m aware of how guarded I’ve become, I still find myself praying: Lord, give me an opportunity to slowly wreck this wall. And you know what? He has — again and again. I just didn’t always have the courage to walk through the open doors He left ajar for me.

This time, though, I showed up. I attended a Breakfast Activity with BCBP North East — a spiritual community that God led me to. There, I listened to the beautiful second love story of a resilient couple. Their journey through life and marriage moved me deeply. It was the kind of story that softens even the hardest parts of you.

The morning was rainy and cold because of the storm. I wrapped myself in comfy clothes and a scarf to protect my neck. After the event, I headed to Ayala Mall, ready to tick off the rest of my itinerary. I had a book I bought on sale with me, and I found a quiet, mostly empty coffee shop at The Terraces. I ordered a non-coffee drink (macha is not available 😭), and chose the coziest corner seat I could find.

I felt calm, content, and just in the right place — with a book in hand, tea in front of me, and the smell of roasted coffee wafting through the air. While reading, I did what I often do: I paused, stared blankly at the page, and quietly began to pray. For 30 minutes, I whispered my thoughts, ending with a simple, sincere request:

“Lord, surprise me today — something that makes my heart pound loud.”

And then... He did.

After three hours of reading, thinking, sipping tea, watching people pass by, and journaling notes from the book, I finally stood up to leave. As I stepped out of the coffee shop, my eyes accidentally locked with a pair staring straight at me — a guy sitting at the table just next to mine.

He. Was. So. Cuuuuute.

My heart? Pounding. Like a drum solo in the rain.

Only then did I realize — was that it, Lord? Was that the surprise?!
I froze outside for a few seconds, soaking in the moment. But it ended too fast. That’s when it hit me: When you ask the Lord, ask specifically! I forgot to mention I wanted it to be like a K-drama slowmo scene. And to top it off… I noticed my zipper was open. 😳

I imagined a hundred things at once, then walked away — fast. Out of pure shame, and maybe regret? But wow, what a moment.

Even now, I can vividly remember his eyes, his face, and that unexplainable feeling. I literally blushed just thinking about it while aimlessly walking around the mall and supermarket for nearly two hours. I couldn’t decide what to buy. I ended up with just a few toiletries, then headed home as the skies were about to pour again.