Ok, I'm gonna warn you...it's a little long!
Yes, it's true...after 5 different Starbucks in 4 different states, I am saying goodbye.
I have LOVED working at Starbucks. I love the people, the fast pace, the coffee :), Howard Shultz, the multi-tasking, the fact that i was able to transfer so many times, and the people!
Have I mentioned the people? I am so incredibly thankful for the people, both partners and customers, that I have been able to meet and spend time with. Each Starbucks has been SO different, but SO great in their own ways. We have had customers that know us so well that they bring us cookies, Christmas and Birthday cards and even sit and have coffee with us when they are coming through on our break.
One of my favorite people, is Bud. I think that I have said things about him before , but I don't remember what...so just act like this is the first time :). Bud is 75 years old and it has only been 1 year and 2 months since he lost his wife to cancer. He comes to Starbucks every morning for hours, just sitting and drinking his coffee. Most of the time his friend Dave joins him. WE all know him and even celebrated his birthday with him, most of the customers walk in to say hello to us AND Bud. :)
Today, Kevin and I stopped by the store and there sat Bud. I sat down next to him and he gave me a hug and made a comment about how I had eye make-up on and no hat! haha and told me his daughter was making him go to Florida so he wouldn't be here in a week. He wanted to make sure that if I came to the store he would be there.
Starbucks is his family (and the people at Kings, where he goes for lunch...everyday!). Tears are beginning to come to my eyes as I think about him. I want so badly for him to know Jesus. Yes, we have talked about it...way more than once. He is just so lonely, the only thing I can do now is pray. Pray that the things I have said, he will remember and that there is someone else God is putting in his life to start where I left off.
That's the thing...God put people in our lives for a reason and we have THAT time to be Jesus to them. We never know how long that time may be. When those people leave our lives, it can be REALLY hard, REALLY hard. But PRAYER is such a POWERFUL weapon and if we pray, lives WILL be changed. I can't put myself down for the fact that Bud does not YET believe, I can PRAY...and I will. LOTS. Not only for him, but for all the others I know that don't YET know God and when I spend time with them...I will love them and be Jesus as best as I can.
If you've stuck with me the whole time to read this...thank you :) There is more I have learned from Bud, that will come soon!
love you!
Happy Thursday!
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2 comments:
awesome story and great lesson. it's so true that we really don't know how long we truly have to impact a persons life. recently I just found out that one of my closest friends from high school, Megan, had got killed from a drunk driving incident. all I could think about was the time that I had with her and if I really made an impact on her life or not or was I too concerned about boys and popularity at the time. If only she was here today I know I would make better use of that time I had with her.
thanks for the post. so good and a great reminder. love u!
i love your heart...your compassion for everyone you meet! i have no doubt your life will be a constant stream of stories from people that God brings across your path...love u!
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