The Power of a Slurpee
A friend of mine just returned from Hawaii and mentioned that the weather here at home was nicer than on their vacation. It was 89 degrees yesterday in the Seattle area and they are saying possibly 90 today. After this heat wave my wife and I are reconsidering our camping trip to Eastern Washington because we feel like we have been camping in our back yard all week. Who needs to go on a camping trip when you have been camping all week at home. The backyard has been our play field and with the bedroom window’s open all night it feels like we have been sleeping in a muggy tent with no air circulation and our head hanging out of the front zipper door gasping for breath. (sorry for the super long sentence with no commas) The heat is starting to get to everyone and I have a plan.
Have you ever noticed how people are pleased with good weather until the good weather hangs on for just a little to long. After awhile happy faces turn to grumpy faces, positive comments turn to negative comments live, “it’s just to hot.” The problem in the Seattle area is that most people don’t have air conditioning and why would they when the average temp this time of year is about 67 degree. But as I said before I have a solution.
As you interact with friends and co-workers today, take note of how they’re doing. Pay attention to their personal heat index and before they red-line you come in and offer yourself as their personal air conditioner. You can listen to their worries and frustrations and be sensitive to what is bothering them and even offer to carry a portion of their load. Really caring for people is super cooling for you and those you care for.
When you have taken time to listen and you notice that their temperature is starting to fall, take it one more step. Offer to buy your friend a Slurpee. I’m serious about this. A Slurpee is served at a cool 28 degrees and is sure to bring a smile to even the most superheated individual. Just watch as your friend slurps up their favorite blend of the well chilled goodness, and take note of of a new measurement. After the the last slurp check out the what I call the joy index. Notice how your friend is now smiling from ear to ear.
Good job! You helped bring cool refreshment to an overheated friend. With the help of a Slurpee you became a human air conditioner. Way to go! Now, go do it again for someone else and remember that starting today cool is the new hot. Go cool someone down.
Proverbs 11:25b (NIV) he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
And for your diabetic friends, there is always the Crystal Light Slurpee. Most 7-11s have “Peach Mango Fusion” (blech!), but every now and again, I find one with Strawberry, which is so good it hurts.
Defaulted? Coke is a classic. YUMMY!
I was refreshed! The mango/passionfruit (non-sugar free!) was a perfect addition to our 7-11. I was nervous about it, almost defaulted to coke. Glad I didn’t.