Have we created Starbucks monsters?

There was a time when just one of us drank from Starbucks. When our family consisted of just two of us, Amy was the coffee drinker. Then number one came along. Amy started drinking Starbucks. Then number 2 came a long.Jay started drinking Starbucks. 5 kids later, we all drink Starbucks!

On a recent trip to Philly to visit family, we stopped at a Starbucks on our way to church. We were very early, so we decided to kill sometime. It's totally crazy, we are a Starbucks family! And we all have our own favorite drinks. But here's the question? Have we created a bunch of Starbuck-craving caffeine monsters?

Here's the deal, as we all enjoy a good cup of Starbucks. But it's not a regular event for the family. We don't go to Starbucks every day. Not even Amy and I go every day. When we do, it's a special occasion. 

For instance, this recent trip. We were in Philly, we were early to church, and it was a treat. It was the only time we went to Starbucks that weekend. So it was special.

But it's more than the coffee or frap, it's becoming more about spending time with our kids doing something we all like to do. We are quickly discovering that our kids are growing up, FAST. They are changing. Their likes and dislikes. What they like to do and what they don't like to do. And as family of 7, with our oldest now 17 and our youngest 6, one of the challenges we face is finding those activities that everyone can say yes to. Starbucks is one such activity.

On that Sunday morning the coffee was good. But what was better than the coffee was the time we had to simply down and enjoy each other. We talked, we laughed, and made a memory. Not only that, we as parents had a glimpse of the future.

Right now life can get a little crazy. Schedules, sports, driving kids all over the community, jobs, chores, and ministry can be overwhelming. But a time is coming when life will be a bit slower, and our hope is that we will share in moments like this...sitting together around a table talking, laughing, and maybe still sipping our Starbucks.

- the higham family