Let Go and Let God ... and Starbucks!

Sometimes you just have to say “screw it” and go to Starbucks. And that, my mommy friends, is exactly what I did this morning. Before we get to the good stuff (because let’s face it—Starbucks IS fabulous), let’s do a quick recap of my 3 kids and a blaaahhhh morning.

I’ve been feeling guilty for not attending church on a regular basis (always a great reason to go, yes?). With Paul working on most weekends, it’s often treacherous to try to get myself and 3 other people clothed, fed and loaded into a vehicle. This process usually guarantees some disastrous, if not utterly frustrating outcome. So why should this morning have been any different? It wasn’t.

After 20 solid minutes of 3 screaming toddlers at a pitch that would either a) alert all dogs within a 100 mile radius, b) combust all tiny birds in nearby trees (think Princess Fiona in Shrek) or c) cause my ears to bleed, I considered throwing in the church-towel. My wavering decision to give up, was solidified when during van loading, I discovered my oldest child was not wearing underwear. Apparently I missed a step in the clothing, feeding and loading process.

Giving up when you’re a Mom, can sometimes feel like sequestering yourself to the dark-side, or in non-geek lingo—make you feel like a failure. I mean, if Mrs. Brady could manage all six of her kids on the Grand Canyon family vacation, why can’t I properly clothe, feed and load 3 kids into a minivan for church? On second thought, Mrs. Brady had Alice…

So, without husband and/or Alice, it was time for me to give up. On the brink of defeat however, I realized the morning wasn’t a total loss…there is always Starbucks. After all, everyone was locked and loaded; why not? The thought came so quickly and clearly, it must have been a sign from God! You don’t believe me? Hear what happens next…

Fifteen minutes later, kids in a snack/Elmo induced sedation, we arrived at the Starbucks parking lot. A BMW showed up at the same time and being the kind minivan driver I am, I motioned for Beemer Lady to go through the drive-thru first. After ordering a delicious Iced Grande Soy Latte, I approached the window to pay.

“You’re drink has been paid for,” the woman at the drive-thru said.

“What?!?!” I gasped in disbelief.

“Yes,” she said, “The lady who paid for you r drink said that someone recently did the same thing for her. She wanted to do the same for someone else.”

“Oh my God!” I exclaimed, “That is the nicest thing EVER! I’ve had such a crazy morning and my kids have been so…and this is so great …and…thank you!” I blubbered, teary eyes and all.

The woman gave me an understanding nod and off I was with sedated children, a free delicious Starbucks beverage and the recognition that sometimes giving up, is the greatest thing a Mom can do.

p.s. If anyone reading this resides in the West Valley of Phoenix and has a girlfriend with a gray BMW (I’m car ignorant, so that’s the best I can do), please tell her I am eternally grateful.