We frequent the shop in a variety of ways: together, separately, separately buying coffee for the other, one in the drive-thru and one in the shop at the same time... What strikes me is that they keep track of us. If I come in and my husband has been in they will tell me when they saw him and I am sure they would tell me what he bought if I asked. If my husband has not been in they will check to see if I need to get him his drink. I travel often and they keep track of that as well and welcome me back - asking my husband when I will return.
On the other side we keep track of those who work there and ask in concern if we haven't seen someone. It occurred to me today as I left there that they are a wonderful example of community. People who come together around a common interest (buying and selling coffee) and then get to know one another and care for one another. If I am not around for awhile they will be concerned, when one of the barista's talks about her future I listen and inquire as appropriate. Community.
Jon and I have a lot of fun with our Starbucks and I really miss seeing them when I am out of town. I do believe I see Glimpses of the Kingdom of God in my neighborhood Starbucks.
