Friday, October 14, 2011

First World Problems

Last Friday I decided to treat myself to a tall pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks.


I went to a different Starbucks than I usually do because I was on my way to do some errands. When I walked in, there were four people working behind the counter, and two people ahead of me in line.

Even so, I waited SIXTEEN minutes for my drink. (Yes, I'm the crazy person who times people when annoyed.)

When I got my drink and walked out to my car, I realized that the cup felt a little light. I opened the lid and, sure enough, it was only filled two thirds of the way. I should have walked right back in there and asked them to fill it to the top.

I was in a hurry, though (see the above 16 minute wait), so I just sipped my drink and made it last as long as I could.

And I was in a bad mood.

How dare they not fill my drink to the top? How dare they make me wait? I was so annoyed and disappointed.

And then I realized that God was listening to my mental temper tantrum.

And then I realized what a selfish and petty jerk I must sound like.

And then I realized what a very FIRST WORLD kind of problem it was to have.

And then I realized I really ought to be grateful that I have the $3.75 to drop on a drink. A drink I didn't have to walk miles to get. A drink made with clean water. A drink I don't even need in order to live.

And then I thanked God for His forgiveness!!!


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13 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 14, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Very touching post. Since I work in the water microbiology world during the day, I am very familiar with what you're talking about in terms of us having access to clean, drinkable water compared to others.

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  2. MeelingOctober 14, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    So true Sarah...we take things for granted too easily at times. It's easy to forget how fortunate we are to live in a country like we do and have all the comforts that we have.

    Great reminder!!

    ps...loving the numbered comments...do tell?? I can't figure out how to do that for the life of me!!

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  3. BethanyOctober 14, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    I love this! Seriously, love this!
    I am exactly the same way!
    Joining you from the blog hop today!

    http://ramblingsofamomster.blogspot.com/

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  4. MeganOctober 14, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    How beautiful!
    It is all about perspective.
    A good reminder.
    thank you!!!!

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  5. LisaOctober 14, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Good words. There are many moments that I have to remind myself of the same thing: to see how blessed I am, rather than dwell on life inconveniences. Thank you for the reminder!

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  6. Nicole @ Sew Much SunshineOctober 14, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    It's beautiful how you taught yourself a lesson through this struggle! We can all learn something from this!

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  7. jenniOctober 14, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    Oh yes. I know the feeling!

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  8. JessOctober 14, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    we take so many little things for granted, that are monumental to others across the world. or possibilities they haven't even thought of you. joining you from heart blog hop! thanks for sharing.

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  9. SoulsFireDesignsOctober 14, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    Thank you for this, what a good lesson for us all!

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  10. HappybeeOctober 15, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    this so true and...we must remember this more often...every day... thanks!!!

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  11. LittleGreenThreadOctober 15, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Such truth in this post. I often catch myself getting upset about petty things. We are truly blessed, and what a great reminder this post is to give thanks for all that we have!

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  12. AnonymousOctober 15, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    I loved this post. Like what a few people commented above. I have those mental temper tantrums too. Then I just have to give some perspective to all that I have. Thank you for being so honest and sharing such encouragement :)

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  13. Melissa, The 25th HourOctober 16, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Haha aw. Sometimes it takes a little event like this for us to realize how lucky we really are to even afford overly priced drinks like these.

    I have yet to have a pumpkin latte from Starbucks. My little town of Boone doesn't have Starbucks. They are strict rule on only having local coffee shops.

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