About two years ago I bought a book that I found to be interesting by its cover and from perusing through its pages. Like many of the books in my library, they sit on the shelf until I pull them down to read or wish to secure a nugget of wisdom and put it back on the shelf.
This past summer I took the book off the shelf and began to read it. I could not put it down and a few days ago I had the opportunity to listen to its author, Michael Gates Gill, in person.
Here is a person who was born into privilege with all of its trappings. He had an Ivy League education and walked into a job at the leading advertising agency in America at that time. Noting the price he paid for that insular existence of privilege and wealth, he spoke about company loyalty that required him to take a phone call Christmas morning while his children were opening presents. Out of a sense of duty, he left them to go to the office to do work for a key client. He missed out that important day with his family.
Years later his Life changed, as did his fortunes and prestige. He found himself working as a barista at Starbucks and his book, How Starbucks Saved My Life, chronicles that experience. He was able to reflect upon his Life, his family and relationships, and his beliefs about people. In the process, he realized that he was happier working at Starbucks than ever in his Life. He told the audience that he gained “a part time job for a full time Life”, and he learned to “look with respect at every individual”.
Sometimes with adversity, God is putting you into position for that which is to follow – for how He will use you next. For this man, through his continued work at Starbucks, his book, lectures, and upcoming screenplay about his Life, God is using him to let us know to cherish our families and relationships, respect others, and know that money is not everything.
© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010
