Community According to Starbucks

My husband and I have a strong relationship with our neighborhood Starbucks.   We go for the coffee but more for the relationships with those who work there and frequent the coffee shop.   I enjoy getting to know everyone.  Our Starbucks knows us as a clergy couple, I am the preacher lady and he is the preacher lady's husband.  The drink I order is unique and they call it a "Leila".

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.