THE STARBUCKS EXPERIENCE--Some comments on loving God and loving People

I have worked at Starbucks for almost 3 1/2 years. In that time I have done things I never thought I would do. First--I now regularly wake up at 3:45am to go to work (An hour so ungodly--I question why the good Lord created it). Second--I have learned a new "language" which centers around coffee. Third--I actually like coffee! It was not too long ago that I actually detested the taste of it.

For all those things I thought I would never do, I have had the opportunity to do some things that have improved my ministry. First, I have learned to love people. Now... let me say that loving people is not always easy. When people walk in the doors at 8:59pm and we close at 9:00pm, I find it very difficult to love them. When I am cleaning various parts of the store to get ready for us to close, it is hard for me to love people. When customers complain about a tiny little bit of foam on their "Grande No Foam Latte"--it is hard to love people.

But I have met so many people at Starbucks and it has taught me to appreciate the creativeness of our God. I work with people from all walks of life--Christians and Non-Christians--and I believe that God loves everyone of us and he died for every single one of us. We all need Jesus because we are fallen and broken.

I have a friend who has taught me a great deal about loving people through his actions. I have learned so much from his generosity--whether is is getting donuts for strangers in the morning, remembering people's names, or going out of his way to correct something that he said. His passion for people is contagious and inspiring. And it is those little things that go a long way towards loving people and showing the heart of our God.

Starbucks seeks to connect with people over coffee. A few months ago Starbucks decided to close down all their stores in the US. They did this because they wanted to refocus their employees on the reason they exist as a company--to connect with people and serve great coffee. During this meeting my manager quoted Walt Disney's philosophy of growth-- "No matter how big we get, it all began with a mouse." Being the pastor that I am, I could not help but notice the parallel for ministry. Because the truth is no matter how big we get as a church, in our career--no matter how busy we are it all began with Jesus. And Jesus loves people. All people. Through my experience at Starbucks I have continued to learn that no matter what I am doing in life--nothing is more important than loving the people whom God brings into my life--and showing everyone the love that My God had for me.