I have written before about my Saturday ritual of going to the Farmer’s Market down by the water. My first stop is usually Laughing Whale for a cup of goodness. Often, the barista there will greet me with “Flat white, right? Kim, is it?”. The last time he did this, I grinned and told him that he and the crew were going to be part of my talk on belonging that I was giving to a group of teachers. “REALLY?” They were all quite chuffed…that remembering someone’s name and order could make a difference to the sense of belonging that one would feel. While I waited off to the side, I spoke of how it is connected to being seen and recognized and they continued to smile and marvel at being included in a presentation that seemed to them so much ‘larger’ or more formal than a simple coffee stand at the local market.

Today, I had to take the car in early for a fix-up after hitting a chunk of ice on the highway a couple of weeks ago. Before the appointment, I went to Java Blend. I ordered my drink and noticed that the line on the loyalty card I’d pulled from my wallet was full. I handed it to the barista, noting that “This one is free.” She responded with “Oh, hell yeah!! It’s a good day ToDay!” You know, at 6:30 in the morning, or anytime, really, that is an absolutely awesome greeting.

Both of these instances of caffeinated camaraderie seem all the more important to share as world news looms ominous and uncertain. When the grey gets weighty and hard to shake, I will go where I am known by name and join my voice with that of another and greet the new day with an Oh, HELL yeah… Sometimes an approach to service that is this simple, that is this intentional And spontaneous, is an even greater elixir of life than the espresso in my cup.

So, heart-y thank you, baristas and servers and sellers and shopkeepers and all others who sometimes wonder if what you offer and the way you offer it is noticed and makes a difference.

It absolutely does…in the small scheme and in the grand as well.