Maps and Blueprints

I wish I knew how to fix it. Where's the owner's manual?

Oh, it's not done? We're still building this?

Then I wish I had the blueprints.

I wish I knew where we're going. Where's the map?

There isn't one? This is uncharted water? There is no pre-destination? It's our journey?

Well, I tire of these tempestuous waves, all the heaving and ho-ing. I get sick of the tossing to and fro. I'd like to find some dry and peaceful land to stand upon; some good, solid, and fertile ground upon which to build this thing with no blueprints.

Desires, Disappointments, and Deity

'Disappointment stems from unmet desires. 

Anger, frustration, and bitterness stem from unmet expectations.

If you're feeling the latter, relinquish your expectations while acknowledging your desires and disappointments.

Free yourself and them while still remaining honest with both and about both.

However, be sure not to hang those disappointments around your neck like an anchor, lest they drag you down into the depths of despair and defeat.

Instead, give them to God, trusting in His plan regardless of how senseless it may seem to you right now.

(As a side note: http://unveiledwife.com/striving-to-love-without-conditions/)

Emotional Corrosion

Emotional damage not dealt with is like corrosion painted over; it WILL find its way to the top. Only two options: keep covering it up or do the difficult work of getting to the root of it & dealing with it down to the bare surface, to deal with it once and for all.

Starbucks Virgins

Sitting in Starbucks this morning enjoying a scone and raspberry mocha.  Three young black men were in line ahead of me, obviously on their inaugural visit to Starbucks.  They are clearly flustered - if not completely befuddled - by the menu lexicon and options.
I want so badly to ask them why? Why visit Starbucks now? What has driven them here? For me and my social circle, it's no more out of the ordinary (more ordinary, in fact) than going to McDonald's. But for them, here in their late 20s, to be making their first venture into this world...

Is there a girl in the mix (as there often is, when considering out-of-the-ordinary male behavior)?  Does she drink Starbucks and he has to find out what it's all about? To try it himself before bringing her here, so as not to embarrass himself?

Is it a socio-economic thing? Is there a sense that visiting this establishment indicates, even on a subconscious level, that they are climbing the ladder? That the American dream is working? That their lives hold more promise today than they did yesterday?

Or am I just being a pretentious prick and it's nothing more than simple curiosity?