A couple weeks ago at Starbucks, we were short a supervisor, so we had one from another store come cover the couple shifts we were lacking. Having a ‘borrowed partner' is always a little interesting, especially a supervisor, because as much as the stores are the same, people operate them differently from place to place.

To be honest, I was struggling to stay positive at work due to various aspects, some related to work, some not. I was feeling overwhelmed, and not excited to work, and on top of that, had been sick for over a week, for the second time in a month. Tired and not facing the day with a lot of energy, I arrived at work, where I met our borrowed supervisor.

When she greeted me, my spirit jumped. I can't even really explain it, except that I felt that we were alike. I wondered at that moment if she was a believer. She came into our store, and managed it beautifully, with grace and initiative, and a positive attitude. It took till the end of the shift before we both were bold enough to say out loud that we are both followers of Jesus, and then we talked about the Lord, very openly. I was so encouraged to meet someone so excited and on fire for Jesus. I know that it was God's timing to bring her into my life for that short time, but long enough to realize that there are people who are excited for the Lord and living with a zeal and passion for Him.

This event actually happened before my blog on passion, but I had already forgotten about it. I had allowed such encouragement to drift from my heart and became overwhelmed in something else. But the Holy Spirit has recently reminded me of this wonderful encounter and I have to share it. I was so encouraged in Spirit and excited when I left, and the fruit meeting Jesus in someone else was not only spiritual and emotional, but physical as well. I was no longer physically sick after that day. A cold and deep chest cough had been bothering me for a while, and it just wasn't after that. I give all Glory to God for that, and can't deny at all that the presence of Jesus heals.

When we encounter Him, we can be healed. Do we believe it? Do we embrace it? The whole thing made me wonder if I walk around carrying the presence of Jesus everywhere I go. If people can be healed by encountering Him, am I walking in obedience so that they can encounter Him in me? Jesus, may I ever be increasing in intimacy with you that others may not miss what you have for them through me. My desire is to always be your vessel…one that brings Your joy, healing and restoration to others.