The Starbucks training has ended and my first real shift begins tomorrow.  I was trained by the most amazing Starbucks trainer ever, and it makes me feel apprehensive to know that she will not be working alongside me on my first shift.  It was awfully wonderful of her to meet with me at the store today even though my training was completely done yesterday to make sure if I had any last minute questions or concerns.  I had plenty.

Instead of feeling like a baby bird being shoved off a branch (“FLY, BABY BIRD, FLYYY!”), I feel like a angsty toddler bird that is eager but still unable to recall half of the Starbucks ID abbreviations. But hey, thank goodness they have recipe cards posted on the trunk somewhere.

My mind has already done its rounds of make believing worst-case scenarios and clumsy situations that are surely within the realm of possibility.  My worst nightmare is and has always been getting yelled at, but I don’t think that will be too much of an issue in the most high-ranking store in customer service and overall niceness.  Of course, I have already widened my eyes to the prospect of having a longwinded, complicated order.  Just for fun, I reenacted a Bon Qui Qui scene (“SAcurruhhdee!”).  I had a nice giggle as a nice break from the worst-cast scenario paranoia.

But you know, the Lord has me at this job for some sovereign reason.  I love how working at Starbucks is a practical opportunity for me to be Christ to others.  A five hour shift is an active denial of self, interacting with a broad spectrum of people while serving them some darn good coffee.  The Lord has been showing me today that as long as I dedicate every shift to Him, He will bless me beyond measure.

So, although I am scared crapless about tomorrow, my God breaks through my worry complex and tells me that it will all be alright.

You get to love others for My glory, Faith.
And, in my book, nothing says love like a cup of coffee.