Back to my birthplace

Returning to my hoosier roots has been somewhat nostalgic this past week. I have criss-crossed southeastern Indiana several times running from Cincinnati to Batesville to Columbus to Indianapolis to Columbus to Batesville to Harrison to Batesville etc, etc, etc.

I get to spend the next few days at home in Cincy with my family...so that will be fabulous!

But I had an interesting experience a couple of days ago. I was leaving Starbucks in Columbus and just felt like I should head back to Batesville instead of back to Indy. The reason that decision might not have made any sense was because I had a place to stay in Indy (thanks to "little" brother bean) but no arrangements in Batesville. As I began the 45-mile drive, I actually prayed quite nonchalantly..."you know, Lord...you could just make some arrangements for me to have a warm place to sleep tonight in Batesville?" And that's about all I said to God. Sensing the Spirit was with me anyway...I turned off the music/radio/ipod and drove in silence to Batesville.

There's a Hampton Inn right next to my store there in Batesville...but the rate is about $80/night and there's no way I was going to do that. Well, as I drove into Batesville, I called someone who I was hoping to be my future landlord when/if I sign a lease for a little 1 bdrm apartment to crash in occasionally. But that place wouldn't be sleep-able until sometime next week. Having met with this wonderful couple, discussing the lease, and then ending the conversation...I was prepared to go warm up the car and sleep there. As I turned to go, the wife asked if I had a place to stay for the night? (it was about 8pm) I didn't want to tell her I intended to sleep in my car when it was 25 degrees outside so I just said, "I haven't made any arrangements yet...perhaps a hotel." She went on to explain that two of their boys were off to college or traveling and I was welcome to spend the night with them. Keep in mind this is the first time we've met! So I followed them to their home, had a delicious cup of green jasmine tea with blueberry blossom honey...and slept comfortably and warmly that night!

Frappuccinos, Formulas, and Fit

Yeah...I haven't been here in awhile. The Starbucks side of life is commanding most of my time and attention these days. I've been promoted to manage a store of my own and it's a brand-new drive thru in Batesville, IN. Before you start googling a map...yes...it's a long way from where we're at. Although...lots of people commute an hour one-way to work, right?!

Batesville is about the half-way point between Indianapolis and Cincinnati...but it feels a bit closer to Cincy. The store opens up Feb 2nd...so be sure to stop in if you're driving between those two cities...or if you going to Batesville to buy a casket! Yep, it's the home of the Batesville Casket Company.

Besides the coffee pursuits...the other main discussion point in my life right now is a spiritual and ecclesial nature. We're developing some relationships and connections at the church we're attending in Cincinnati, but I still struggle with a sense of "fit" and focus. I find myself being very anti-formulaic right now. If any spiritual concept is described as some kind of formula or 7-step plan...I just automatically start dry heaving! Apparently, I'm also not comfortable with a major thrust to "get people saved." What kind of life in Christ are we trying to convert people to? The one we're currently living out and displaying? If so...I'm not sure I'd be signing up.

See ya next month...