A Cup of Conversation – November 2018

I enjoyed breakfast the other day at Buttercloud Bakery in Medford. They’ve been open for years but this was my first time. Buttercloud is outstanding and I’m kicking myself for taking so long to go. I told the guy who looked in-charge that establishments like his were important because it makes everyone else up their game.

We can never be perfect but can always be better, right? This is true in every aspect of life. Relationships, career, health, science and politics can always improve. It’s when we withdraw, lash out, turtle-up, hide, build a wall or shut down dialogue is where we get into trouble. There’s a lot of that going on.

On my way to this restaurant, crossing the busy street in the crosswalk, a woman in a big rush hit the brakes to avoid hitting me, even though the car next to her had been completely stopped. She had full visibility but her tyranny of the urgent almost ended my life. Jumping back, I stood there shocked. She then rolled down her window. Fully expecting some version of please excuse me, she screamed, “Hurry Up!”

Wow. Imagine being her spouse or kid or employee or dog. Lady, if you’re reading this…get some help before hubby checks-out, the kids go dark, the staff revolts and the dog messes in the bedroom. You can do better.

Speaking of doing better, we’re upgrading our menu by adding a few new value items for breakfast and lunch, good meals around $6. It’s the right thing to do especially with the rising minimum wage, among the highest nationally, forcing us to raise prices across the board. Every retail business dependent on entry level labor has or will do the same. Those in favor of increasing minimum wage levels relative to median income are most often the first to complain when the cost of good coffee and pizza goes up. It’s a mystery to me.

I recently met a young man at Sportsman’s Warehouse working in the fishing section. His name is Hunter. This kid was clean-cut, bright-eyed, diligent and respectful. Hunter hustled around the store finding the things I needed as it edged razor close to closing time. He never rushed me and took the time to make sure this customer was completely happy. Clearly this young man was raised well. He doesn’t yet know it but opportunity is about to knock on his door. I’ve asked our Director of Operations to drop by when Hunter is working to see for himself and invite him to interview for an important position in our distribution and roasting operation. He will have to grow into this spot but just may change the trajectory of his young life. Why is this going to happen for him? Because Hunter knows what is required to be better. Hard to teach that particular virtue.

The woman in a rage of hurry with zero situational awareness could learn a lot from the management at Buttercloud and from Hunter but probably won’t unless providence intervenes. That’s almost always a painful event but can yield great things.¹

In the meantime, try the buttermilk biscuits and gravy at Buttercloud. Simply heavenly.

Be good not bitter.

¹ Heb 12:6