Jesus Hangs Out At Starbucks

Starbucks. It’s an iconic, global name. Unless you live in the backwoods somewhere,

everyone has at least heard of Starbucks. Some fanatics are fanaticizing about the smell right now! I am a Starbucks lover – my pocket doesn’t allow me to visit as often as I’d like, but it sure is a special treat once in a while!

This week I learned that Jesus likes Starbucks too.

Sometimes I grow complacent of the fact that He’s always with me. I forget He goes where I go and participates in my daily activities. On Tuesday I saw Him – fully present with me as I got coffee.

I’ve been in quite a place lately… Incredibly homesick. Dealing with medical issues. Financial issues. Questions about my future. Tuesday was one of those days that’s just “special.” You know the kind… (My mom taught me to be quiet if I didn’t have anything nice to say.) Those days.

I was irritated that I was on my way to purchase a new washing machine. This is not a fun shopping experience for anyone. Due to my  “special” day and impending large-expense, I decided to treat myself to Starbucks. After all, it was on the way.

I pulled in the drive through and my mind was swirling. "Why me? It’s not fair. Can’t I get a break? What am I going to do?" Each and every situation I’ve been facing began to expand and implode in my mind there in the car as I waited for my tall caramel frapp. I am an overthinker and I had just “overthunk” myself to the point of tears.

I reached the window and began to pass the woman my $5 bill. “It’s free today! The woman in front of you paid for your drink.”

My expression was confused and blank at first. “Did she know me?” “Nope. Said she just felt like you could use a blessing today! Here you go!” She handed me the drink.

I pulled away from the drive through window and straight into a parking space. Tears welled in my eyes.

If you knew what my attitude smelled like at this moment, you would have been shocked that anyone would have come near me – let alone wanted to bless me. I didn’t deserve it. I was operating out of fear, anxiousness, judgement and a super-selfishness.

It was only a four dollar cup of coffee. Yet, as I sat holding it, I began to weep. 

“Heather, I see you. I will provide for you. I will direct you. I will heap blessings on you when you least expect it. Quit trying to plan, fix, figure, orchestrate… Why do you not trust my ability to know your heart?”

Go figure, God is right again. Crazy isn’t it? Seems like He always is.

I don’t know if I will ever look at a Starbucks Frapp the same way ever again. We serve a God who meets us where we are – even in the stench of our attitude and gore of our heart-condition. He never leaves our side.

It’s easy to become self-focused and get lost in the “Why’s” of life. We ask questions about our circumstances in an attempt to somehow justify why we should be exempt from hardship and trials.

God promised us that we would face trials, persecutions and hardships. It’s a guarantee for the life of any Christian. Even if He told us the answer to all of the “WHY” questions we ask, we probably still wouldn’t be satisfied. Thankfully He is a “HOW” God. He is how. He is how we cope, believe, trust, hope, wait, know.

He knew HOW to change my heart and attitude with a cup of java. Because of that grace encounter, I’ve come to learn HOW to navigate this once-again challenging season of life.

I’m thankful Jesus hangs out at Starbucks. I’m even more thankful for the woman in front of me in the black truck who listened to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. You blessed me with so much more than a cup of coffee.

Regardless of your uncertainties, transitions or fears, God wants you to know He is a HOW kind of Savior. I’m so thankful while hanging on the cross, Jesus never asked the Father "WHY?"Unconditional love and unwavering trust abolish all of the "whys" in the world.

Change your question. He is How. Love is Why.