Starbucks...

So today I decided to get off campus and where else would I go besides Starbucks. There is just something about this place. There is something about the way it smells...the way it looks...the warm cup in my hand. People come into Starbucks with anticipation. They come in knowing that this is going to be a highlight of their day. Sad...maybe...true...definitely.

This post isn't about Starbucks. I think we have all heard about the "community" that Starbucks brings...and we have all discussed how this relates to the church. We all now understand the stark reality that people yearn for true community...we get it.

This post is about understanding the importance of perspective. This week has been a whirlwind. I came back from spring break so excited for my future. I was refreshed. Something about being home with my family and seeing the excitement on their faces about what my future might possibly look like brought a joy into my heart...an anticipation for God's coming plans for my life.

Then I came back. I came back to the "bubble" (as some have termed it). I came back to IWU. I love IWU. I love my friends, my classes, my professors...I love our coffee shop, but something about putting 3,000 20-somethings together in one spot creates some anxiety. We are in the final stretch (for me ...of my final semester). People are worried about ...everything. They are worried about future jobs, future families, current grades, relationships, money...purpose.

This week many of my friends have been going through some difficult experiences...including me. It has been a week full of stress. Family illnesses, future plans changing, relationship stresses, etc.

I had the opportunity to meet with a professor this week. He helped me to sort through some of my confusion. He really cared. I also got a chance to meet with a mentor of mine from this summer. We talked about ministry, about storytelling, and about life.

Perspective. I sit here in Starbucks looking back at this past week...realizing that nothing really has changed from the week before ...except perspective. I sit here realizing that stress... emotions... confusion... and the unknown do not or, better yet should not, have the power to change my perspective. In six weeks, the future is the present. In six weeks the stresses of today will be stresses of yesterday. In six weeks the worries I had will no longer be worries...it will work out and life will continue on. I sit here realizing that no one person or scenario should have the power to change my excitement into dread.

Now...I look forward to the week that is coming. I choose to walk in anticipation of the future and not in fear of the unknown.

Thank you Starbucks.