Have I Sinned?

May 1, 2008 in Random Thoughts 22

Okay, I need to make a confession. Ever since I came home from the Dominican Republic, I have, only with Heather, been searching for a dark roasted, strong coffee. There was something very special about the coffee we enjoyed on our trip, and we just can’t seem to find it here.

Well, I think I may have found it.

I have always been a Tim Horton’s coffee drinker. “None of that FOO FOO Starbucks stuff for me!” However, I meet with another pastor once a month, and yes, we meet at a local Starbucks. The first time we met, I had one of those “ten worded named” specialty coffees. But the last meeting, I asked what they had in a dark coffee. The dude gave me a cup of very decent coffee.

That brings me to today. I drop Brit off at the dentist and decide to run up to Tim’s to get a coffee. As I’m cruising down Innes Rd., I spot a Starbucks up ahead. And before you know it, I’m PULLING IN and getting out of my truck! That’s right, I chose Starbucks over a Tim’s!

The evidence was sitting in my truck when Brit came out of the dentist. The first words out of her mouth were, “You’re drinking Starbucks?” I felt shame, disgrace, and pain. And yet, it didn’t stop me from enjoying it. In fact, the cup sits right beside my keyboard as I type these words.

What should I do? Should I cave and grab another? Do I need help? Is there counseling available? Should I “out” the other pastor who tempted me in the first place?

  • DonnieB

    Hey dude,
    I’m with ya on the Starbucks deal! Didja know that if you get a Starbucks card and register it online (no charge), you can get FREE REFILLS of your coffee while at the store? I dont see Timmys offering free refills…Only a slight feeling of nausea from the acidity in their budget beans…LOL.
    I know you are worth the extra 40 cents a cup brother!

  • DonnieB

    Hey dude,
    I’m with ya on the Starbucks deal! Didja know that if you get a Starbucks card and register it online (no charge), you can get FREE REFILLS of your coffee while at the store? I dont see Timmys offering free refills…Only a slight feeling of nausea from the acidity in their budget beans…LOL.
    I know you are worth the extra 40 cents a cup brother!

  • JC

    I would suggest starting with confession, followed by extensive therapy, and an audit of your other behavioral practices unbecoming of a “man of the cloth”. Then again you’re probably just showing signs of being human and therefore I recommend aroma therapy like the smell of freshly roasted Tim Horton coffee beans.

  • JC

    I would suggest starting with confession, followed by extensive therapy, and an audit of your other behavioral practices unbecoming of a “man of the cloth”. Then again you’re probably just showing signs of being human and therefore I recommend aroma therapy like the smell of freshly roasted Tim Horton coffee beans.

  • http://timthefoolman.com/ Tim

    As someone who has experienced Tim Bits and the other delectables when I’ve had the occasion to venture north, I can see that this is a serious spiritual issue. I think I see a compromise.
    But the donuts from Tim’s, and then go eat them with Starbucks’ coffee. Think of it as a miniature progressive dinner. — Tim
    P.S. Cool blog.

  • http://timthefoolman.com/ Tim

    As someone who has experienced Tim Bits and the other delectables when I’ve had the occasion to venture north, I can see that this is a serious spiritual issue. I think I see a compromise.
    But the donuts from Tim’s, and then go eat them with Starbucks’ coffee. Think of it as a miniature progressive dinner. — Tim
    P.S. Cool blog.

  • http://www.bikerschurch.com bikerrob

    Now … where do we fit Second Cup white hot chocolate into our theology? And what about Krispy Kreeme donuts???
    Oh, I’m so confused!

  • http://www.bikerschurch.com bikerrob

    Now … where do we fit Second Cup white hot chocolate into our theology? And what about Krispy Kreeme donuts???
    Oh, I’m so confused!

  • Carrie

    My friend. Welcome to the world of class.
    xxSnob Carrie

  • Carrie

    My friend. Welcome to the world of class.
    xxSnob Carrie

  • http://www.stageleft.info stageleft

    Yeah, I’d say you sinned, not because “it wasn’t Tims” but more because of the corporate practices buying Starbucks supports.
    The coffee in my apartment costs between $10 & $15 a pound because it’s fair trade and my favorite coffee shop is Bridgehead for the same reason — I’m the odd man out on rides, can’t stand the taste of Tim Hortons and won’t support Starbucks.

  • http://www.stageleft.info stageleft

    Yeah, I’d say you sinned, not because “it wasn’t Tims” but more because of the corporate practices buying Starbucks supports.
    The coffee in my apartment costs between $10 & $15 a pound because it’s fair trade and my favorite coffee shop is Bridgehead for the same reason — I’m the odd man out on rides, can’t stand the taste of Tim Hortons and won’t support Starbucks.

  • http://www.bikerschurch.com bikerrob

    Which corporate practices are you speaking about? And do you hold the same standard to every company, or just Starbucks? For example, do you put gas in your ride? And in doing so, are you supporting the oil companies actions in the middle east? Do you watch what clothing you buy and make sure that you only purchase from specific shops?
    Just curious

  • http://www.bikerschurch.com bikerrob

    Which corporate practices are you speaking about? And do you hold the same standard to every company, or just Starbucks? For example, do you put gas in your ride? And in doing so, are you supporting the oil companies actions in the middle east? Do you watch what clothing you buy and make sure that you only purchase from specific shops?
    Just curious

  • http://www.stageleft.info stageleft

    I probably should have put a smilie in there somewhere, it was not my intent to be confrontational or judgmental on ya :-)
    That aside I am, or at least try to be when ever possible, what they call a social consumer. You should have heard my kids complaining about that when they were younger {grin}. Most of my clothing is recycled North American made, I purchase fair trade products whenever that is an alternative, I try and support local small shops and stores as opposed to the big box stores, etc., but, as we all know it’s not always a reasonable, feasible, or even economically possible, life style choice, to do that.

  • http://www.stageleft.info stageleft

    I probably should have put a smilie in there somewhere, it was not my intent to be confrontational or judgmental on ya :-)
    That aside I am, or at least try to be when ever possible, what they call a social consumer. You should have heard my kids complaining about that when they were younger {grin}. Most of my clothing is recycled North American made, I purchase fair trade products whenever that is an alternative, I try and support local small shops and stores as opposed to the big box stores, etc., but, as we all know it’s not always a reasonable, feasible, or even economically possible, life style choice, to do that.

  • http://www.bikerschurch.com bikerrob

    Oh, I didn’t take it that way — and as we all know, email, text, is not a great form of communication, lol … I appreciate what you’re saying and really am curious to know what you mean by “corporate practices”, that’s all.
    BTW, I love checking out your blog!

  • http://www.bikerschurch.com bikerrob

    Oh, I didn’t take it that way — and as we all know, email, text, is not a great form of communication, lol … I appreciate what you’re saying and really am curious to know what you mean by “corporate practices”, that’s all.
    BTW, I love checking out your blog!

  • Marty

    Erwin McManus would be very proud of you!

  • Marty

    Erwin McManus would be very proud of you!

  • coach24

    Rob has seen the light! Next time try a Quad Grade Americano, you won’t regret it.

  • coach24

    Rob has seen the light! Next time try a Quad Grade Americano, you won’t regret it.