My sister introduced me to Comedians in Cars with Coffee (CCC). They are short comedy sketches where Jerry Seinfeld takes comedians in unique, vintage or unusual cars to get coffee. The reason for the sketches isn’t because they’re comedians, nor is it to get coffee, and neither is it to ride in the unique cars.

It’s for conversation.

Conversation connects.

When I get on the site, I am selective about the CCC topics as not all of them appeal to me. In a moment it’s as if I am in the back seat enjoying their joy. I am not alone.

I read a few of the comments below one of the sketches and one person commented, “Jerry Seinfeld is having so much fun.”

The follow-up comment to that one was, “…I wish I were rich.”

Now, I am not sure if the second comment was a follow up to the first or independent. Neither will I presume to know the motivation, if it were regret or a desire for future success.

Here’s what I found myself thinking. There was a time where I wished I were rich too. I think it’s natural for young people to think material riches make one more acceptable, loved and respected. But today here’s what I desire:

To focus on the things that make me rich. To not want someone else’s version of fun, but to find it in my own corner of the world. I am rich with friends. I cannot be close to all of them, but there are a number of folks I can call up and make plans to get together for coffee and a catch up conversation.

I don’t have to be rich and influential to have fun. But I admit being in friendships puts one in a place of influence and success. They are the connections that keep us running the race while holding us up in trials. We run our life race better knowing we are not alone.

My maternal grandfather was a cotton farmer, and I know they were materially deprived. However, this side of my family is one of the happiest group of people I have found anywhere.

They were rich because they had each other. They’ve kept in touch with each other all these years and find a reason to laugh even when going through trials. They don’t mock their trials. They take them seriously and continue serving and worshiping God, but always find time to look on the sunny side of things.

Fun is attractive. Happiness is contagious. Joy heals and restores. Even those who labor can find deep wells of joy in work. There’s always a reason to smile.

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.  (John 21:25)

I imagine Christ having conversations with people about life here and ever after at wells, on journeys and across meals.

Picture Jesus in your next coffee and conversation with a friend.

Amazing!