As the quest for a good cup of coffee got serious, my Google Maps app kept pointing me to Buddy Buddy. As confused as I was, nut butter and coffee, in the spirit of openness, I found the barely signed store in a nondescript building. It was a wondering introduction to a different business model. Simple to the point of being austere, the options were all nut-based. To emphasise what was missing from the normal coffee shop misses the heart of what I experienced. Service with care, gentleness as a priority, and calm professionalism in everything that followed. The 4.7 review average from 700+ customers has been well earned.
In the lingering reflections from my afternoon visit, I find myself rediscovering useful lessons for my day ahead.
Look beyond the immediate and see the bigger picture. It is easy, almost natural, to reduce things to what I lean towards. Bias, preferences, and likes all come into play. I enjoy a good coffee with no additives. Buddy Buddy delivered. Another with me has their latte, again an excellent choice rewarded by the experience that followed. Looking beyond, “If you confuse others by making a big issue over what they eat or don’t eat, you’re no longer a companion with them in love, are you? These, remember, are persons for whom Christ died. Would you risk sending them to hell over an item in their diet?” (Romans 14.15)
Appreciate every act of care and kindness. Although I did not speak the language or understand the process, I came in and left feeling welcomed and accepted. With minimal conversations, the body language reassured me in a way that I felt was unconditional. All were welcomed, kids, mothers, singles, couples, and groups. Each interaction reinforced the message that one was among friends.
Never stop, life is for living. Each step is a unique opportunity. Knowing I will likely fail, Buddy Buddy’s promise of giving back ends with a note capturing my belief and approach to today; “there’s always more to improve on, so we’re not going to stop trying.”
