George always comes in the mornings. His teeth are crooked, and he has a grandpa look about him that's instantly endearing. After he found out I was from America, he would enter the store calling out, "God Bless America" and saluting dramatically, to which the other customers in line would look completely puzzled by, but he would inform them nearly dutifully that I was from America, you know. Meanwhile, I'd be stifling my laughter and half pretending not to notice as I continued to steam milk for a large latte or medium cappuccino. George likes to talk, which is fine, since I enjoy listening to his Irish banter. In the days when I dreaded going into work, especially in the morning, I would remember, oh, but George will be there, and somehow that made it more bearable. :)
Now, we've a nameless customer who comes in multiple times a day. He's Mr. High-Maintenance: vanilla skinny cappuccino small take away (no chocolate powder on top)... I know him by his ever consistent drink... But what would trip me up most is the confusing order of words in which he requested the drink. Right, you mean a Small, Skinny Cappuccino for take away...
For sure, I have learned as many things in this job as I have made large lattes... :) which is a lot, let me assure you. Listening, for instance; I used to have the hardest time remembering the next order and what drinks to make, and all the different parts, but I have learned to keep my ears alert, and gotten accustomed to the rhythm of my coworkers... I used to be rather unfocused too; my mind would be buzzing with so many other things, and I would shrink back every time I made a mistake (which seemed to happen all the time!) and this would only multiply my nervousness... It was difficult to see correction as a way to learn when it only felt like a reprimand. I honestly wanted to quit so many times... but I was realizing today how much I have overcome, and how good it felt to stick it out. And now, even though it's taken so long, I finally (Finally!) can hold my own as a barista. It's not really what I want to do for the rest of my life, but... I can say with some measure of satisfaction that I didn't give up.
After working, living and learning in predominantly Christian contexts, the splash into the "real world" has been considerably icy. For so long, I had been used to the Grace-filled communities, the Encouraging and Sensitivity of teachers and pastors and leaders who earnestly cared. So it was unbelievably difficult to handle harsh and impatient criticism. Being better acquainted with the world was, in so many ways, what I wanted and what I needed though. My self-esteem had to be secure in who I am as God's beloved, and not on what others say or think about me, or even on what I can accomplish or offer. I have learned that criticism is a way to improve, and not to take it personally... but it's still difficult at times.
It's been my most challenging goal that I've given myself to learn how to love my boss, though I considered her an enemy (with her rude and disagreeable nature and ways she made me feel so worthless, etc...) This has perhaps been one of the most profound things I've learned, because I don't often encounter people I feel so absolutely attacked by... but, who knows what God can do in her life?
I have put a huge pressure for everything I do to have some outstanding purpose of furthering God's Kingdom. However, it's occurred to me that my being in Ireland this year and even at Costa Coffee, could serve the purpose of me learning loads about myself and this world and about work and humility and grace, and that is more than grand in itself!
