Monday, February 26, 2007

A Barista Unlike Any Other

The other night I headed out to do a bit of grocery shopping. It was a lame Saturday night activity, but I returned the day before from a trip and spent the whole of the day engrossed in the 5th Harry Potter book. I cannot get enough!

Anyway, I went to TJ's and did my shopping and noticed a fabulous Starbucks next door. Wonderful! I did a little grocery shopping, put my stuff in my car, checked the time (8:35 PM) and saw that Starbucks was open until 9. Plenty of time to grab a little extra hot hot chocolate!

Well, upon walking in, one Barista was chatting with the only customer in the store and the other was sweeping. I proceeded to the counter and looked up at the drink menu (as if I was deciding what I wanted...). The Sweeper asked, "Did you want to order something?" I'm thinking, "Um, of course I do... Don't just walk into Starbucks for no reason." :)

From that moment on, the Barista proceeded to try and talk me out of my drink! What in the world! That was a new one, I mentioned. He told me the calorie content of the drink I ordered, asked me why I would come in so late, told me that I could go home and make hot chocolate (even encouraged me to go out and buy Nestle Quick!), etc. I told him that if I was such an inconvenience, I'd help him out by saving him time at the register ... He could give me the drink for free.

And, that's exactly what happened.

What a rare experience at Starbucks. Highly, highly amusing. That Barista gave me a smile.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Let Down

I must admit that I'm a bit troubled today by the lack of consideration one person can show another. This morning, I headed out the door for church and while standing on a lump of frozen snow (it really won't melt!) waiting for cars to pass, looked across the street at my car and noticed that something seemed out of order. I thought, "No, the sun must be hitting it in such and such a way making it appear that there is a rather large dent on my front fender."

Alas, it was not the sun. I surveyed the damage and realized that the person who caused it failed to leave a note. I then called the police department, my insurance company and then, of course, my parents. I needed someone to sympathize with me - although, I must say the people at the police department and the insurance agency were surprisingly pleasant.

I got to church after I finished my phone calls and my pastor preached on the eighth commandment: You shall not steal. Boy, did this sermon hit home for me today. The person that hit my car was unwilling to pay for the damages that they caused to my property. I am going to have to pay my insurance deductible to have my car repaired and the money I spend doing that will not be able to go where it was meant, and really, needs to go. It is an unfortunate situation and honestly, I'm angry. This unknown person has basically stolen money from me.

Most of me wants justice today. I want the person to come forward or I want someone to catch them. I want them to pay for the damages.

Though, my dad reminded me that God ultimately knows who did this and that he will take care of me. That is comforting. I've been a bit introspective today, as well. I mean, this truth of "You shall not steal" applies as much to me as it does to the next person. While I'm angry with this unidentified person, I must remember that God has forgiven me for worse and I must forgive. I have to let it go.

It's not easy. Bothered would be a nice way of putting my emotions today. I know it's okay to move through this and feel what I feel, but I will also look forward to getting over it. After all, it's just a car, it's just money and life is too short to be that concerned by it.

I think the thing that really bothers me most, however, doesn't have to do with the car or the money. I cannot seem to wrap my mind around the fact that someone did this and did not take ownership of their mistake. That's what is really getting to me. And frankly, I feel let down by that person today. I guess I am still an eternal optimist that wants to believe that given the opportunity, people make the right choices. Admittedly, I am a bit naive in saying this - I know I am. And, I know that this is why the Gospel is so important and relevant today.

People are sinful and need forgiveness. We make mistakes, we let others down and on a much more important level, we are separated from the God who created and loves us as a result of our sin. I need the Gospel to penetrate my heart today to forgive. I am grateful that God gives me the opportunity to do this and let the damage done end with my car and my bank account.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

A New Love! Harry Potter...

My journey in reading has finally landed me on the widely tread path of Harry Potter. What a series! I've just completed the fourth book, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." I know, I'm a laggard when it comes to this trend... And, I'm glad that I didn't miss it. I have found these books to be so imaginative and redemptive. The fourth in the series is my favorite thus far. I literally couldn't put it down!

One of my dearest friends has always expressed her love of the friendships in the story. I agree. It is so tremendous how Harry, Ron and Hermione live life together through the ups and downs of adolescence, not to mention, enduring incredible circumstances. I love the professors, love to hate some of them, think Dumbledore is amazing and wise - he gives people second chances, and find the adventure captiviating.

And, I'm moving on to No. 5 tomorrow. I can't wait to see what comes next...

Amazing Grace: The Movie

Yesterday I viewed a screening of "Amazing Grace," a film detailing the life of William Wilberforce and his plight to abolish slavery in the British Empire. The story was moving and inspiring. It caused me to consider how an ordinary person, passionate for a cause, can change the course of history. It was interesting to see the way John Newton's redemption (a former slave trader who repented and turned to Christ) was later used to build a strong argument against the slave trade, as well. His story starkly contrasts that of William Wilberforce, yet both men used their unique place in life to make a lasting impact. Two stories intertwined.

Prior to the screening, we learned that human trafficking is at an all time high today. Shocking news, when I really think about it. And, something to consider: Lord, what would you have me do with the passions you've given me and the position in which you've placed me?

Please see and support this film. www.amazinggracemovie.com