In the early 1990s, I was introduced to a fresh and exciting concept within the military: Total Quality Management (TQM). This wasn't just a new way to lead but a completely different approach to organizing and managing life in the service. The principles of TQM, such as quality, care, and vision, were not just applicable in the corporate world, but also had a profound spiritual significance. They helped me understand Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Fast forward to my retirement in 2005. Living in a small town brought simpler pleasures, but I hadn’t encountered that same buzz of excellence in a long time—until last week when I visited the new Buc-ees in Johnstown, Colorado! Walking through the doors of Buc-ees was like entering a different world. The warmth, the order, and the genuine service took me back to my days of learning from top-tier organizations. The level of excellence in Buc-ees' design, from its layout to its customer service, is a reflection of the heart of God. It echoes Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." 

When you walk into Buc-ees, everything is intentional. There’s no chaos, no clutter—everything has a place and a purpose. And I believe this reflects how God works in our lives. Like Buc-ees' intricate design, God has uniquely crafted each of us for a specific purpose. In His design, nothing is wasted. There’s order, intention, and care in everything He does. When we serve others with the same level of excellence, we are reflecting His glory and living out our divine purpose.

Now, I know some may argue, “We’re not supposed to love the things of this world.” And I agree—we aren’t. But that doesn’t mean we can’t see God’s fingerprints on things when they reflect His goodness. As it says in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." Whether it's the organization of a store or the way a company treats its customers, I believe we can find glimpses of God’s design everywhere.

God’s design for our lives isn’t chaotic; it’s one of order, care, and purpose. Just as Buc-ees is meticulously crafted to provide a welcoming and efficient experience for its customers, God has created each of us with intentionality. He has given us gifts, talents, and a purpose that glorifies Him. Let's take a moment today to reflect on the areas of our lives where we can better align with God's design. Whether it’s how we treat others or how we manage the responsibilities He’s given us, let’s strive to emulate the excellence we see in Christ through thoughtful reflection.

My challenge this week is, first and foremost, to give thanks for God’s perfect design, personally and collectively. Do all you can to see the hand of God and his provision in all things that reflect his goodness and the right way of being, doing, and serving others. Always listen to wisdom and diligently cultivate and pursue excellence in everything we do, knowing that we work for God and "get to" enjoy a little beaver named "Buc-ee!" Welcome to Buc-ee’s, where the abundance of God's goodness surrounds us.

Like a cute little beaver, I offer this with commitment and hard work, 

Pastor Drake