Horn Bar

It would seem that I tend to neglect the creative or informational outlet of my blog, when I am particularly busy, stressed, or worried about stuff, which typically involves work.                          

Even if it’s only a cup of coffee.

In the past few weeks, Starbucks has announced the imminent closing of 600 stores, which accounts for around 8% of the US stores.  Four of those stores are within a few miles of me in Metro Indy, but thankfully, none are in my specific parking lot.   But it is still a nervous time, as it is in many US businesses affected by the current economy.  It’s always possible that my store would not survive a third trimming back of the herd.   And yesterday, my boss was let go, as part of the "restructuring of the organization".  So my focus has been on executing all my objectives at work, and staying out of the crosshairs. 

I’ve been praying alot on this lately.  I like my job.  Sure there are challenges, but that is life.  I really enjoy the people connections I am able to make, from my fellow partners, to customers, and even my vendor drivers.  We have very interesting, enlightening, and encouraging conversations.   In these uncertain times, I’ve been praying that I would be able to recognize whether or not God needs me to be planted in this particular job at SBX, or if it might be time for me to serve elsewhere.   Some days, I feel God moving in my conversations at SBX, and I know that I’m there for a reason, creating a certain environment for those around me.  Or even being encouraged by those around me.

Other days, I feel frustrated at how the job restricts me from quality time with Debbie, and my family, and lately, I have thought I felt the walls closing in, and wondered if I had time to get out on time.

Recently, in a moment of helplessness, I had confided to Debbie that I had been praying for God to take control of my life, according to His will, but had not been clear on the answer to that prayer, and I was still stressing about my decisions.  Debbie wisely reminded me that, if I have truly given up control, then I need not worry, but trust in faith in the plan.  It had been a moment of clarity for me, and I’ve had much more peace about myself since then.  I have faith in the plan.

I also realised that this does not mean I simply go through the motions at work, and wait for a lifeline,
like the guy on the roof in a flood, who drowns, after passing up help from boats and helicopters, because he is waiting for God to save him.   If I invite Jesus over for a BBQ, I still need to prepare a meal, and not just expect Him to throw open the grill, and reveal a miracle feast of steaks and brats.    I still need to do the work.

So I have been diligently working, learning, and developing myself in my current position to be the best person and SBX manager I can be, because that is where I am currently planted, and until I hear further, this must be where I am supposed to be.  And, in the meantime, I am bettering myself for some future, unrevealed purpose.

It is in this peace of faith that I have been able to set aside my own personal insecurities, and trust that, even if I can’t be certain of what my professional future looks like, I am certain of what I want my personal future to look like, and it most certainly looks like Debbie and I being married.

So I made it official and ask her to marry me, for better or for worse.

Miraculously, she said yes.

So lately, even at a time when it would appear that my coffee cup is half empty, I am certain that in reality and faith, it truly is at least half full.

and I thought I didn’t have anything to write about….