Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Where is God?

Guess where God 'showed up' in my life today? Uh huh. At Starbucks just after 8am this morning. I very rarely go into Starbucks, although I love their products and I drink different varieties of their coffee that I brew at home each morning. (I usually get the grounds at my local grocery or from Target, by the way.) So, it's a "treat" for me to get to go into a shop and sit down and have a cup of coffee.
Well, this morning, it just so happens that Chip could do some work on his laptop at home and make calls from his cell phone, so I got a bit of time alone after dropping Brock off for school. I fully intended to do some studying and put some thoughts together for an upcoming speaking engagement that I have later on this month, but I don't think I really thought that God was going to 'meet me' at Starbuck's. Yet, there He was.
It was so reassuring and 'good' for me...to see and feel that God IS with us wherever we are. He knows what we need, when we need it, and will use any circumstance to reveal Himself to us- IF we are open to hearing from Him and willing to recognize our dependence on Him. I know it wasn't a burning bush or a pillar of fire from the sky (it was simply a double, skim, toasted nut latte, extra-hot...) but still, to me it was just what I needed to hear and I received some very timely messages for the things I am thinking of and dealing with in my life right now. Straight out of the Bible- so I know it came from God- the source of truth and guidance in my life.
I just wanted to share my experience- not that I'm holy or so 'in tune' with what God wants from me that I should 'expect' God to speak to my heart at Starbuck's...but on the contrary. I need God so deperately in every part of my life, and because I seek Him earnestly, He was even willing to come down and meet the needs of my heart at this moment in time- in Starbuck's at 8am this morning...because that's where I was.
I have to say, it makes my lip quiver. It's absolutely humbling...that God- who knows all, sees all, keeps the world spinning at just the right speed; the One who hangs the stars in space and loves us before we love Him- that He would want to give me evidence that He is real and meet my little old needs each day, it's a feeling like none other. The fact that I felt it makes me want to share that reality with anyone willing to listen. That is why I share this experience on my blog. Keeping it in would be selfish. I know I'm not alone in my quest to experience real and everlasting peace in this world. I know I'm not the only one to wonder where God is at times. I know I've been blessed with His presence over and over again...and today I just wanted to tell the skeptics out there, that God is real. He met me over a latte at Starbucks this morning. I know He can meet you, wherever you may be. You just need to keep your eyes and ears open...and then wait. I guarantee you that He will cross your path. When He does, you will feel it in your heart.
A little song came to mind as I walked out of Starbucks. It's another little chorus from a song I learned as a kid. The words just hit me a little differently as I sang the song over in my head today. It goes like this-
"He came down to my level, when I couldn't get up to His.
And with His strong arms,
He lifted me up, to show me what livin' is.
He'll come down to your level, if you'll open up that door.
He wants to make your life worth living...
That's what He came down for!"
My hope is that God becomes so real in your life that you can see and taste Him in much the same way as I have done today. Nothing's better than a little 'Peace' and quiet sometimes...that's for sure!

14 comments:

Jill said...

I love it when God meets just right where we are and need him. He is good at that isn't He?
Glad you were able to get away for a short break, I'm not a big Starbucks fan, but love when I can go to the Gym by myself and walk on the treadmill listening to music. That's almost like Worship to me; quiet peaceful and a happy mom.
For your sake I hope March is a busy and quick month.
Jill from Omaha

Samuelgin said...

So awesome. I believe he is everywhere, you just have to open your eyes and look. I am always amazed at where I see him. You just open your eyes and take a minute to look at things a little differently, just as you did this morning with your latte. Keep inspiring us.
Juli from Georgia

Camille said...

OK please share... What happened? How did you know it was him? I need him. I want to feel him there. I want to know that he is there. Please tell me how you knew.

Jody said...

To Camille...
I just left you a note in your comments on your blog. Hope that helps...and you can always email me if you have more questions.
nitty.grittyjody@yahoo.com
See ya!

... said...

What a beautiful post Jody. I wish others, people that don't know God, could feel His presence, would find Him and know Him. They would be changed forever! :) Have a great day!

Unknown said...

Thanks for this. I've been reading your blog every day. i've been struggling with God and where He's at. I'm a Christian, just really struggling these days.

So anyway, your words make me think, and realize that God does care and He is here for me.

So, thanks. :)

Hillary

Jen said...

So encouraging to read today. You're right, God can meet us anywhere. Thanks for the reminder!

Anonymous said...

I am confused. How did the letters G-O-D wind up on your cup?

I know Starbucks writes things on the cup when you order (which annoys me horribly, because I like a cup where I don't get INK or CRAYON on my hand). But what did you order that made them write that on there?

~~Maggie

P.S. Also, thanks for your entry the other day.

Anonymous said...

I'm with Camille & Maggiepie - why did they write God on your cup? How do you feel Him with such certainty? I "know" He is there, but I've never felt Him like you explain it. I would love to have that feeling of no doubt.

Anonymous said...

i think jody probably wrote that on there herself for a great picture opportunity!

cute! :-)

Anonymous said...

Does anyone from Michigan know how Whitney Cerak is doing?

Anonymous said...

hhmmmm...several weeks ago i caved under months and years of immense pressure and got labeled with anxiety and depression. my counselor and i determined that one of my goals was going to feel the antithesis of all that--peace--maybe i need to go to starbuck's tonight if that's where God's hanging out because I've been wrestling with the thought that maybe He's been hiding from me. It's good for me to hear that He's working in other people's lives--gives me hope that He and I will run into one another soon. Thanks for the thoughts.
--elizabeth

Unknown said...

If someone is a poor speller they might have spelled Jody's name that way "Go" "D" they ask for your name toput on your cup when you order a drink.

Jody, I was reading your las couple of posts and realized that my daughter Sarah and Teagan share a birthday. (Sarah will be 2 on the 18th) I will be thinking of you on that day too.

I run on -e at times too, and thank God for the role he plays in my life...thank you for being so sincere, open and honest in your blog.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Just found your blog tonight. This is a great post. I really like how candid you are. Thanks for sharing. It's nice to know that God really does meet us where we are whether it's on our knees or at Starbuck's!