An era has ended. My green apron will be hung up for good after next weekend. The days of free espresso and sample pastries are over. The nights of stocking cabinets, saying hi to Tony, checking on the Venti Mocha hair dresser’s mom, hearing another motocross story from the 15 pump cinnamon dulce lady, and laughing with fellow barista as they share their week’s exploits while making another Grande, non fat, no whip, white mocha will be silenced. Its bitter sweet. I am so thankful that the Lord gave me an opportunity to work at Starbucks. It was such a blessing to meet, serve and build relationships with all kinds of neighborhood personalities over a common love for coffee. I won’t forget the people I have bonded with so quickly from hearing about their kids to sharing in the pain over a miscarriage or a lost foot due to diabetes. It was definitely more than just serving coffee.
Now I am working as the academic records secretary at the Seminary. Why give up lattes for this? It is from 8-4:30 every day, no weekends or holidays, better pay, and full insurance. The thought of having a normal schedule was the only thing that could pull me away from the apron strings. I found out from my first week of work that I will still be able to meet all kinds of people in crisis or not. I have enjoyed talking with the beaming newlyweds who returned from an Alaskan Cruise, my new boss who is so willing to drop everything to help me in my panicked confused state, the security guard that gave me a krispy kreme donut on my first day, and church friends who spatter the campus like pollen on a windy day. I am truly thankful and enjoying my new job.
This week has also given my content mind a run for its money. Another friend with a miscarriage, hearing Tama’s up and down reports, scared new moms, mornings that bring conviction of my selfish thoughts and desires, and struggling to put my Savior first, choosing rather to do things my way. Life is never just one track, it’s a kamikaze crash course where the track that makes sense is sometimes lost in the loud blare of the horn on the other track. I pray that instead of getting lost in the moment, my heart will look above to the One who knows and sees all things.
Happy Independence Day Everyone!