Starbucks & the "Happy Holidays" Barista

On the way to Virginia last Thursday we stopped at the Starbucks in Roanoke Rapids. Honestly, I hadn't been in one since my youngest college aged daughter was in boarding school in Raleigh. I think eastern North Carolinians are more Duncan Donuts for coffee type of people. Okay, well, I am. And, of course, is there any question? Krispy Kreme for donuts...but not coffee. 

There were a plethora of people in the coffee shop that sits adjacent to 1-95. My very first observation? Pure Irony. Starbucks prides itself in the "experience". The jazzy music, trendy coffee jargon, sleek modern gift accessories. Totally hip. Totally cool. I'm totally not. But in this hip, cool, trendy, Harry Conick, Jr. music playing atmosphere no one--absolutely no one--was communicating. Not even the couples that were there together. Everyone was looking down at their smartphones, MacBooks or iPads.

So this multigazillion dollar business has systematically divided their patrons rather than bonding them in their coffee utopia. Zombie like people voluntarily being hearded like cows, in a somewhat straight line, while voluntarily paying over $5 for a small coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Ironically many of the young people across the country, who willingly pay for this ridiculousness, are pro anti-establishment anti capitalism. They've all been dooped. But they've missed it because they were all on their smart phones (which ironically have dumbed us all down) while oblivious to shelling out five bucks for a beverage.

The point to my rant? While waiting for my skinny peppermint mocha decaf I realized how disconnected this generation is. How lost. And yet if I were to engage any of these young people in conversation they'd probably laugh at me. Although I did look pretty cute in my new Eileen Fisher leggings, black suede booties and blanket sweater. The Lord knew I'd need help so he blessed me with stylish daughters. I digress or do I? 

When my generation was coming along we stood to attention and listened when an adult approached us. We gave up our seats for adults. We were engaged. We made eye contact. We listened. We were expected to reciprocate in conversation when spoken too. Not so much anymore. 

So how do we reach these kids? How do we engage them? To get them to look UP rather than down at a device.  It definitely can't be the middle aged mama  like me. Then who? The big mega churches have fabulous intentions with their lights and Christian rock music. But they are entertaining these kids. They are being introduced to Jesus based on feelings and love. Not facts. Doctrine. Repentance, Salvation, Grace. The Gospel.

No one is telling these teenagers, twenty and thirty something's that the bible is more than an outdated book. It's God word. Not only does it tell us what God has done it tells us what He is doing. The bible tells us what He is going to do! That one infamous book holds the answers to ALL of lifes questions. Every single question in your life can be resolved in the bible. Why? Because Jesus dwelt on earth as a man. He experienced everything you and I have but without...wait for it...sin! Amazing. Can you even imagine that?

The bible addresses every issue these young people deal with today: sex, lust, over indulgence, idolatry, sin, jealousy, loneliness, love, heart ache, despair.  And   it explains Gods intent, His love, and ,yes, His consequences for a life not lived to please Him. 

The coffee barista called my name "Wooten". "Yes, that's me". With that the young man said "Happy Holidays". I couldn't help it. My husband had the look as he knew it was coming.  "Son,  Jesus Christ was born on Christmas. He then died on a tree for you and me. Merry Christmas." 

With a smile on my face and a chuckling husband holding the door for me I took a sip of my over priced coffee. Okay, I admit it. Oh, man, it was delicious.

"How can a young person mainstain a pure life? By guarding it according
to your instructions!"-Psalm 119:9