Blissful Mornings - The Man on the Bench

The park was quiet in the early morning, the air still carrying the hush of dawn. Birds hopped along the frost-kissed grass, and a gentle wind stirred the golden leaves that hadn’t yet given in to winter’s call.

On a weathered bench sat an old man, his hands wrapped around a steaming cup of tea. He came here every morning, just as the sun began to rise, always carrying an extra cup. Some assumed it was for a friend who never arrived. Others thought it was simply a habit, a way to feel less alone.

But today, as a young man jogging by stopped to tie his shoe, he glanced over and hesitated. “Good morning, sir,” he greeted politely.

The old man smiled. “Good morning.” He lifted the untouched cup. “Would you like some tea?”

The jogger, surprised, shook his head. “Oh, I couldn’t take that. It looks like you were saving it for someone.”

The old man chuckled. “I was. For whoever needed it most today.” He patted the empty space beside him, and after a moment, the jogger sat.

They talked. Just for a while. About the crispness in the air, about the birds, about the way the world seemed to pause in the morning before rushing into the day.

When the jogger finally stood to leave, he hesitated. “You come here every day?”

“Every day,” the old man said.

The young man nodded. “Maybe I’ll join you tomorrow.”

And so he did.

What began as a simple gesture—an extra cup of tea—became something more. A quiet ritual. A place to pause. A reminder that kindness doesn’t need a reason, nor does companionship require a history.

Some days, others joined them. Some days, it was just the two of them. But every day, without fail, there was always an extra cup waiting.

May this story wrap you in warmth as you begin your day. May kindness meet you in unexpected ways, and may you always have a place where light and love are shared. 

- Bliss Chains Authors