A Starbucks Kind of Morning

I decided to treat myself this morning. I skipped making my coffee at home, as is my usual pattern, and pulled into Starbucks instead. It was just that dark-roast kind of morning. The sky was unsettled, the wind was blustery, it was a true November sort of day. Take out coffee promised to sooth the rough edges and make getting out of bed worthwhile.

I like going to Starbucks even though I do not understand the made up names for their various cup sizes – I just always ask for a large. As I stood and waited for the barista to pour my beverage I considered what it was that made it a pleasant stop on my way to the church. It came to me – it is the welcoming attitude. Everyone who walked in the door was greeted by at least one of the people behind counter calling out “Good Morning”. And it actually sounded like they were happy to see their customers. As I picked up my cup to leave someone called out, “Have a great day”. Good staff training Starbucks.

I have been thinking a lot lately about community and what it is that makes people feel connected? What makes people feel included? As a society we are continually moving more and more to technological community and online friendships. Is this as good as gathering in the room with others? Is a winky emoji as reassuring as a hand on the shoulder or a hug? I, of course, have a bias that I can’t deny. I have spent my life building communities and fostering connections as I work away in churchland. Real life, face-to-face community. One of the greatest compliments I ever received was from a person who said I enabled her in finding a network of friends when I encouraged her to join a planning team for a church event. She said it changed her life. I love that the fostering of community can make such a difference for someone.

Being part of a church family is more than just a gathering of people. It is a very real connection between people, a connection that runs deep. It is woven together by grace, love, hope, compassion, care, support and faith. It is community.

I believe community could be built at Starbucks if I went everyday and learned the baristas names and spent time talking to them. But I am not sure they would appreciate that. Calling out good morning, asking my name so they can write it on my cup is probably as far as they want to go when it comes to building relationship and I will accept that as enough for my quick morning coffee stop. At the same time I will continue to treasure the people who make up my spiderweb of friends and community. They are the people who hold me together, cause me to grow, give me support when needed and wrap me in care. I consider you, dear readers to be part of that community. Thank you.