It's My Pleasure

Have you ever heard of people going through a drive-thru and paying for the person behind them?
It is a kind gesture, and I've experienced it occasionally when I'm working.
But this week people seem to be upping the good will.
That is, I worked Wednesday and Thursday and both days I had somebody say, "I'd like to pay for the person behind me." Both times, the person behind had a fairly sizeable order (That's how it's going lately. One person making a food-run for a larger group.) but the person gifting the meal didn't mind. Their generosity wasn't deterred.
And, can I tell you? That one act of kindness brings so much joy!
Obviously, the person receiving the free meal(s) is pleased. I mean, really. If I was allowed to have my phone with me and record their reactions, I would share them with you. But I can't. So you'll need to trust me when I say their eyes light up, and they share expressions of wonder and why-am-I-so-lucky? I relish the moment when I say, "The person in front of you paid for your order," just so I can take in the looks of surprise and delight which I know will be gracing their faces.
And that's where another aspect of the joy comes into the picture. Of course there is joy for the recipient, but there is also great happiness for the employees inside. The one passing along the good news, and the rest of the crew who witnesses the benevolence. Honestly, each time somebody pays for the person next in line I hear whispers and comments behind me from employees who are eager to share the news with one another. It gets especially fun when the gift gets passed along down the line.

All that to say, it isn't terribly uncommon for acts such as this to be done around the holidays - when people naturally tend to reach out with kindness. But our present season is quite different.
World-wide sickness, quarantine, and social distancing are hardly a recipe for celebration, yet it's what I see happening more and more.
Times are hard, but hearts are soft. We're in this together.
And together - even if it's at least 6 feet apart - we're going to make it.

It's My Pleasure

When we recieved orders Monday to shelter in place, I figured that meant no more Chick-fil-A until further notice.
But then the email arrived from the boss which confirmed: we are considered "critical infrastructure" by the state. I thought, How cool? We're essential! And as I shared that thought with a guest in the drive-thru Wednesday, she agreed. "You're essential to my family. That's for sure!"
Oh, things are different.
The dining room is closed and interactions with guests are shorter and more distant. (Of couse!)
But we're doing what we can to continue touching lives and lifting hearts.

And, truly, I love seeing that same spirit all over the world right now.
Men and women sacrificially serving on the front lines - in hospitals, stores, and other industries.
People reaching out (virtually via the internet, with drop and run episodes, and otherwise).
Groups coming together to support one another with platforms like Zoom and Facebook.
People praying, and sharing encouraging words.
I especially love a picture I saw recently of young girls in Africa placing their hands on a map of the world - praying for all of us.
What I mean is, we're all essential.
Every single one of us.
In whatever way we're called to serve in this season.

I'll be at Chick-fil-A for a good portion of the day today, donning rubber gloves and keeping my distance as I do my best to share encouragement within each interaction. Wherever you find yourself as the day goes on, may you find delight in the essential things HE lays before you.

It's My Pleasure

My joy in working at Chick-fil-A comes not only from the work, the guests, and the atmosphere.
It also comes from the man for whom I work.
His name is Nick, and I admire him for so many reasons.
Besides his kindnesses which I love seeing during the good days, our current crisis situation is highlighting the goodness of his heart.
Tuesday I received an email from Mr. Nick which was sent out to all employees. In addition to being a message to inform us about matters of business and to remind us about health policy guidelines, it was an encouragement to make a difference in our Chick-fil-A world. He wrote, "I also wanted to remind you that now more than ever we have the opportunity to make days better for our guests and community. We get to be a bit of “NORMAL” in a very abnormal world right now... Let’s be the KINDEST most CARING that we can be today."
I read that statement and I thought, Yes. Thanks, Mr. Nick, for pointing us to what we can do to bring a bit of peace to the people in our world.
And my positive impression of him was reinforced.
But it was the short survey the email asked us to complete which nearly brought me to tears.
The first question asked how many hours we need to work in order to meet our financial obligations. It included options to give up some of our shifts in order for someone else to get the hours they need. There was an open ended question giving us the opportunity to let Mr. Nick know anything we want to share with him about our financial situation. And the final question asked if we have any needs (food, clothing, household items) which Mr. Nick and CfA management could seek to help us meet.
As I answered the survey questions the thing which stuck out to me was Mr. Nick's care and concern for his employees. While he is facing the very real possiblity that his business is going to take a serious hit, he is thinking about us. Rather than a nicely worded message expressing the sad reality that we're facing a hard time and he wishes there was something he could do, but... He reminded us that we're all in this together. He gave us the opportunity to sacrifice for one another, and he offered to help us in our need. This man embodies the love of our Savior.
And I am honored to work for him.

It's My Pleasure

What do you call it when you're at work and - for three straight hours - you don't get a chance to take an iota of a break to catch your breath, or grab a drink, or stretch your back, or anything but serve the individuals who keep coming to you for help?
Well, I don't know about you, but I'm calling it the best day ever!
Seriously, that is exactly what happened one week ago, today. Some of it had to do with a convention of sorts happening with the Future Farmers of America (who apparently really love Chick-fil-A), and the rest was a bunch of other people who wanted some yummy chicken for lunch. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that from approximately 11:00 until 2:00 we had a line of people that went out the door. (I don't even know how long the line was in the drive-thru.) And it wasn't in waves.
It was solid.
For three hours.
And it was so.much.fun!
There is just something about being in the middle of a big "thing" which draws people together. Everyone was surprised by the crowd (employees and patrons, alike) and it gave us something to talk about - a topic over which to make a connection. I often joked as I greeted the next guest, "Welcome to our zoo!" I got to inform the non-Future Farmers of America folks that there was something big happening at MSU with FFA. But more than anything, I was enjoying the camaraderie I saw blossoming around me.
From guests who wondered amongst themselves (but loud enough for me to hear at times) "Why are so many people here today?" - to co-workers who looked as though they were performing a choreographed dance as they poured drinks and delivered trays and met various other needs - to managers who swiftly solved problems and re-stocked supplies and jumped in to help out wherever they could - to the guest who said to me, "You all are doing a great job. Nobody is anxious, just calm. It's so nice to see that!" - I felt as though I was in the middle of the best day ever.

But today, I anticipate it will be different.
That is, the coronavirus has come to town. And while that may mean the drive-thru will be busier, I am not anticipating big crowds inside. Nevertheless, I am planning to have another best-day-ever.
Because I am trusting God has a connection or two for me to make - someone(s) who needs the kindness of Jesus given to them, maybe encouragement in the midst of the current scare. And regardless how many people are waiting in line I'm going to be there, ready and eager to serve.
Ahhhhh, I love my job!

It's My Pleasure

I think it would be interesting to poll my co-workers about the guests they serve each day.
Because I would be curious to know if they are approached by slow-moving, easy-going, leisurely-thinking, unhurried individuals (who are often elderly and unfamiliar with what/how to order at Chick-fil-A), or if it's just me.
That is, for as much as I try to focus only on the guest in front of me I can't help but notice at times how quickly things seem to be happening around me. The speed with which some of my co-workers serve their guests. And I wonder if I am just slow at taking orders, or if maybe I am the only one who receives the guests that require extra attention.

It happened again yesterday, and it completely delighted my heart.

I stood behind my register and invited the next guest in line to come to me. She moved at a measured pace and smiled kindly as she came. When I had determined that she was going to be eating in the dining room I asked what she wanted to order, and that's when things began to slow down.
Because she hadn't been to a Chick-fil-A before.
She wondered about the waffle fries which come in a meal and wanted to know about her other options. So we discussed them.
And that conversation took a minute.
Because she wasn't sure if she would like the Kale Crunch salad (Have you tried it yet? Sooooo yummy!!!!) or if she would rather have a cup of soup. In the end, I think she might have chosen a side salad.
Er, I don't remember for sure.
She changed her mind a few times.
With her side dish selected, it was time to choose a beverage. Those options were a bit easier to descibe and she decided on a nice cup of hot coffee.
Oh, and water, too. She was going to need a cup of water.
Then, of course, we had to talk about sauces.
Because "Chick-fil-A" and "yummy sauces" are practically synonymous.
So by the time I was ready to turn around to pour her coffee, the kitchen crew had already finished preparing her lunch and her tray was being delivered at my register.
"Oh," she sighed, "I thought this was going to be brought to my table." (I had told her we would use her table marker to find her with her food...) And as I observed her slightly shaky frame - and imagined her trying to carry that tray with a cup of water and a cup of coffee - I said, "It will be! You go sit down, and I'll bring it with your coffee."
Thus I poured the coffee, walked around the counter to gather her tray, and walked to her table where her friend was already seated. As I sat the tray on her table she beamed to her friend, "Her mom and I have the same name!" (A connection we made when this dear lady told me her name.) And the smile we shared felt like we were life-long friends, rather than acquaintences who had just met a few moments ago.

On second thought, I don't think I care to take that survey of my co-workers. It really doesn't matter to me if their guests are all quick to decide and prompt with their orders. Because I love my gentle interactions.
And if God wants to send all the extra-attention-required guests my way?
I'm OK with that.
It's my pleasure!

It's My Pleasure

OK. Sometimes I think I have entirely too much fun at work.
Like the other day, when a couple of women came in and were giddy about ordering waffle fries AND mac&cheese. One of them ordered the waffle fries, and the other was getting mac&cheese - and they were making promises about sharing with each other. In the beginning I was just having fun witnessing the enjoyment the two of them seemed to be having, but then I had an idea.
I said, "I know. You can use the waffle fries in place of forks for the mac&cheese!"
I honestly was not prepared for the level of enthusiasm displayed by these women in response to my suggestion. I mean, they thought I was brilliant! (I know, because they said so. *wink*) The three of us started laughing and talking about other means of replacing utensils. (Like chips with baked beans, grilled cheese for tomato soup...Ahhh, my non-Keto memories!) We were high-fiving each other and having a grand time.
And I was kinda sad to see them leave.
Then there was the young couple who came in for lunch with lots of questions. Early on I got the feeling that I could have some fun with them, so when Young Man asked if he could have two Chick-fil-A sauces (After I had just said, "Certainly!" when Young Lady asked for a couple of Polynesian sauces.) I looked at him with a straight face and said, "Uh, no." His jaw dropped, and Young Lady and I laughed so hard. She poked his side and said, "Ooooh, Karen got you!" In a matter of seconds, Young Man joined us in the merriment (As soon as he realized I was just teasing.) and I gave him the sauces. I felt a unique connection with them as we enjoyed each other's sense of humor.
And I was kinda sad to see them leave, too.
The thing is, whether I am being silly and teasing guests, or gentle as I help them with questions and needs, or motherly with little ones who are trying to place their own order - whatever I am doing - I can't help but be filled with thankfulness for this opportunity.
For the moment in time I have to be a light in somebody else's life.
It's a blessing.
And it truly is my pleasure.

By the way, I am going to be on vacation for a week - visiting my mom and dad in Florida, and speaking a few times while I'm there. Hence, I will NOT be blogging.
If all goes well, I'll be back here on March 2.
Until then, keep holding on to Him!

It's My Pleasure

Sometimes I feel rather momish when I'm at work. Looking after the needs of guests and co-workers, making sure they are well-cared-for and prepared for obstacles which might come their way.
That's why I always put a hand wipe in the bag when somebody asks for honey.
Because, you know, sticky hands.
Anyway, I was feeling particularly momish yesterday. The snow was falling steadily, and although folks were telling me early on that the roads were fine, as the morning progressed reports were changing. So I routinely asked if the guest at my window had a lot of driving ahead of them, we typically had a brief discussion about road conditions, and as I sent them on their way with yummy food I lovingly beckoned them to "Drive safely!"

Then there was the guest who gave me the opportunity to move from momish to sisterhood-of-moms-ish. That is, I was handing a chocolate milk out the window and I knew it was accompanying a kids' meal. So I called to the young boy in the back seat, "Oooo, chocolate milk? Who has the best mom in the world???" The soon-to-be-a-chocolate-milk-drinker smiled and said, "I do!"
"That's right," I said (also smiling), "and it's important for you to remember that."
At which point Mom looked at me and said, "Thanks. I need all the help I can get."
And I smiled at her, too, as I said, "I understand," praying a little bit of grace from the mom in the drive-thru would help make her day just a little bit more hopeful.

Whether my role is that of a need-meeter, saftey-cautioner, or spirit-lifter, it truly is my pleasure.

It's My Pleasure

Yesterday when the clock said 6:28, I punched in - so I could make my way to the front of the store, unlock the window, sign on to the register, and flip the lights to "green" at 6:30-on-the-dot.
We were ready to begin serving guests with grace and a smile.
And yummy chicken, of course!
As the dark sky became lighter and more guests came for breakfast, I was enjoying opportunities for fun chatter and a few moments of deeper conversation. I truly delight in the comments which lead to philosophical ponderings, which ultimately leave both of us commentators scratching our heads and smiling about some deep thought we'd never thunk before.
One woman asked me about the training we go through during orientation, because she wanted to know how Chick-fil-A employees seem so consistent in pursuing excellent customer relations.
I enjoyed playful banter with another guest who was "an hour away from leaving for Cancun." The very cold air emboldened me to feign jealousy of his trip (I mean, I only had to pretend a little. *wink*) and he promised to bring back a full report his wonderful and warm vacation.
And then, there was the young mom with a two-year-old - who was having a crying fit because he "wanted to go to Meijer." When I came back to the window with their order, said crying child had calmed down and was peeking at me from the back seat. I said, "Hi there!" And he smiled and waved. So I asked, "Are you having a great day?" And he giggled and said, "Yeah!" At which point Mom and I exchanged knowing looks, and I wished her peace in the midst of toddler-moods-which-can-turn-on-a-dime, as she drove off into the day.
Indeed, there were a lot of things which were going right in the drive-thru yesterday.
But there were also less-than-stellar moments.
Orders which weren't heard correctly or said right or entered accurately, or something - which had to be refunded or remade or re-ordered. (And caused delays which, of course, nobody wants.) Other details (to which I am not privy, because I'm just trying to manage the window...) sometimes got confused and attitudes were affected, frustrations were expressed, and a feeling of gloom lurked in the air. To the extent that - at one point - I felt like just plopping down and having a little cry.
And just about exactly at that point, as I was handing an order out the window, the guest in the car said, "You guys are amazing. You do such a great job here. Thank you!"
I paused for a moment.
I closed my eyes and smiled.
Then I looked right into her eyes and said, "Thank you. Thank you."
And I realized that encouragement doesn't only go out of the Chick-fil-A window.
Sometimes it comes rushing in through the gracious words of a kind soul who doesn't know she just delivered a kiss from the King.

It's My Pleasure

True story: Words simply cannot convey the very real pleasure my job is to me.

Yesterday included one of many occasions I have had to serve someone who is eating at Chick-fil-A for the first time. Now, whenever I learn that a person is making their initial visit, I make a point of welcoming them and letting them know I am glad they've come. And I take extra care to explain the way we do things - like the table markers, and sauces, and beverage re-fills.
But yesterday when "Sam" came in, he brought additional opportunities for me to pour out kindness. First, he had come quite a distance to get to us, so I showered him with love for making the drive. Second, he had no clue what he was doing or what to order, so I was able to "hold his hand" though the process and make him feel comfortable. And, third, he was taking lunch back home to his wife, so I let him know what a great guy he was for thinking of her - and I was able to help him pick things she might like.
That entire interaction was a joy to me. And to him, too, I hope!

Then there was "Will." He wasn't having the best of days, but something I said led to him responding with a smile. And I said, "Ahhhh, you smiled!" And his smile grew a bit more, even with a small chuckle. I told him then, "I want to take your order and get you the meal you desire, but my greater goal is for your day to be brighter." "You have accomplished your goal," he said with another smile.
And my heart beamed.

Near the end of the day I was beginning to worry because I had been given one of our cow mascot plush toys to give away to someone, and I had yet to meet the child to whom I felt led to give it. But then my co-worker saw some siblings come in with (I'm guessing) their grandma and he said, "Maybe that's them!"
After Grandma placed their order I said, "OK. Now I'm hoping you can help me with a little problem I'm having," and I brought the cow into their view. "My cow is very lonely, and I need to find friends for him who will love him and take very good care of him. Can you please help me? I really need somebody to take care of my cow and love him well." And I'm telling you, the eyes in these kids just lit up.
Initially I had a slight concern about whether "sharing" the cow would be a problem, but as we interacted I could see that this brother and sister would work well together in giving my cow a good home - and I believe the delight in my heart matched the happiness in theirs as I handed "Chick-fil-A" over to them. (That's what they decided to name him. Chick-fil-A.)

I could go on with stories just from yesterday which bring me joy, but I'll stop with these three.
The thing is, every day I want to be where God wants me to be, doing what HE wants me to do. I just want to be a conduit of His love to this world in which I'm living. And each day I'm at work I have the very real sense that HE is giving me those opportunities.
Ahhhh, it's my pleasure!!!

It's My Pleasure

What do you do when you make a mistake?

At Chick-fil-A we try to turn our mistakes into blessings.
Specifically, what I mean is, when our dessert maker accidentally prepares the wrong shake - or when a guest changes their mind about what kind of iced coffee they want, after their original order has already been prepared - or something along those lines, which leaves us with an unwanted tasty treat - we like to "surprise and delight."
Every now and then when I am at the drive-thru window a co-worker will place one of those items at my side with the words, "Here. Surprise and delight someone." And I set out to notice somebody who seems to need a lift in their day, or who simply looks like they would truly be delighted by a treat.
And, can I tell you?
It really is my pleasure when I see the smile on a person's face as I hand them a free goodie.
Indeed, some people are very happy about our mistakes!

So, this whole making lemonade out of lemons thing (Hey, did you know we do that at Chick-fil-A, too???) has had me thinking this week: When unexpected events pop up, when things aren't going as we intended, how can we turn the situation around to surprise and delight someone???

It's My Pleasure

Last week an elderly gentleman approached my register to order lunch. He was standing alone but was ordering for two, and he wasn't sure which menu item he was supposed to select. He said, "Last time we shared a salad. It was big enough for both of us, it was very tasty, and it was around $8. Do you know which one that would be?"
"Well," I said, "we have several tasty salads."
I glanced at the wall behind me where the menu is located but quickly realized referring to it would be useless. The salads were on the opposite end from where we were standing, and besides, this gentleman seemed a bit hard of hearing. I knew he wouldn't be able to understand me while I read the menu, because I would have to be turned away from him so I could see it...
I happen to know, however, that we have printed menus in a little cubby on the wall. So I walked around the counter and grabbed one, then went to the gentleman who wanted to order a salad to share with his wife. We stood side by side and I showed him the descriptions of each of the salads on our menu. And when we read about the Market Salad he said, "Yes! That's the one!"
Satisfied that we had solved the mystery, I put the menu away and went back behind the counter to put his order into the register. As I was entering the information we decided on a salad dressing, and discussed how the lid from the salad could be used as a second plate. We also agreed they would probably both like to have a cup of water for a drink. And as we were finishing up, this very sweet gentleman said to me, "I am 94 years old. Thank you for being so gentle with me today."

True statement: The memory of that interaction still delights my heart. And the sincere gratitude expressed by that 94-year-old man inspires me to seek more ways to be gentle with everyone I meet.

It's My Pleasure

"Oh, I like your pretty glasses. Pink and purple are my favorite colors!" I said to the cute little girl who approached my register with her grandmother. She told me they are her favorite colors, too. And we shared smiles as we agreed that sparkles make them even better.

I paused momentarily and looked at the man standing across from me - who wore a hat which bore the insignia of the university my sister attended years ago. "Ummmmm. There's something I'm supposed to say to you... Oh, yeah. 'War eagle!'" He smiled at me and replied, "War eagle!"

Two boys and a frazzled woman stood on the other side of the counter, and I asked the boys if they were brothers. "Yeah," said the older, "and we fight a lot." "Ahhh, brothers do that sometimes, don't they," I noted as I tossed their mother a knowing look. Then I turned to fetch their chocolate milks and held the cartons out for them to grasp. But as the boys were about to take their cartons I quickly lifted them out of reach and we played a very brief game of Keep Away. Mom and I shared a smile and a laugh, and the boys were able to expend a very small bit of their pent up energy.

And then there's this on the Chick-fil-A Okemos Facebook page:

Happy New Year from our family to yours! 🤩 2020 is looking bright and full of opportunity! What are your New Year’s resolutions? 🤔 Our resolution is to “Make Days Better”. ⭐️ Our goal when we come to work is to genuinely make the days better for the guests we serve!

That's it exactly. With every interaction I have, each connection I make, and all the smiles I share my hope is to make the day better for the guests I serve.
And it makes me wonder, what if that was our goal all day - wherever we are?
What if we always sought to make the other person's day a better day???

It's My Pleasure

I love it when people understand that we can have fun in the midst of "business."
It brings joy to my heart when guests respond to my teasing with ribbing of their own.
I am delighted when we see each other as people, rather than as transactions.
And the memory of my interaction with "Jim" this week is still making me smile.

Jim smiled at me when I waved in his direction and said, "I'd be happy to serve you!" We had a pleasant interaction as I took his order, and then it came time for me to enter his name into the computer for his order. I said, "I'm so sorry. I don't remember your name. Will you please remind me of your name for your order?" (I have waited on him many times. Totally recognize his face, but couldn't recall his name...) He said somewhat loudly, in mock-irritation, "What, Karen??? You don't remember my name? I know your name!" Lauging, I replied, "That isn't fair. I'm wearing a name tag. If you wore a name tag, I'd remember your name, too!" At which time he told me his name, and I said, "Jim! Jim! Jim! I'll never forget it now." (His name isn't really Jim.)

Then he said, "Actually, 'Jim' hasn't always been my name, I had to change it. My name used to be 'Jack.' Once I was getting onto an airplane when a friend saw me and called out, 'Hi, Jack!'
"We were immediately tackled by security and rushed to airport jail, and I knew something had to change - or I'd never be able to fly with people I know again."

Thus, the next time I see him I'm thinking I might greet him by saying, "Hi, Jack!"
And when we finish laughing with one another, I'll take his order - and I'll surely remember his real name when it's time to enter it on the computer. *wink*

It's My Pleasure

So, those of you who are friends with me on Facebook may have already seen these videos which I posted via Facebook Live. Uh, I hope you'll enjoy the repeat.
For the rest of you, I had so much fun making the song I posted last week that I kept on going.

This one was the result of creative juices flowing as I got ready for the day:

And I "wrote" this one while I was laying in bed Saturday morning.
Enjoy!

It's My Pleasure

It's My Pleasure

I received an interesting question this week while working in the drive-thru.
Interesting, that is, because I think it was in part a serious inquiry.
The young man at the window wanted to know, "Do Chick-fil-A employees get fired if they aren't in a good mood? How is it that everyone can be so positive???"
I chuckled internally for just a moment before I responded, because I have frequently heard other guests wonder similar thoughts to one another. It seems many people want to know how we stay up-beat. So I was honest with the guest who had enough courage to come right out and ask the question.
First, I assured him that nobody loses their job if they're having a bad day.
Second, I shared that the whole "positivity" thing is actually a part of our training. One of the standards in the Core Four of how we interact with guests is to speak enthusiastically.
And then I told him about the reality of what it's like to work with Chick-fil-A folks. I mean, when you're around people who are consistently saying, "It's my pleasure!" "Absolutely!" "I'd be happy to!" and the like, well, it's pretty easy to follow suit.
We spent a few seconds pondering how natural it is to pick up on the positive attitude of those who surround us. We also recognized how quickly we can go the other direction. And then, just before he drove away we concluded that we ought to strive to be influencers who seek to bring other people up, rather than the ones who drag them down.
Yeah. A bit of philosophizing to go with breakfast.
We'll just call it Food for Thought in the Drive-thru.
I love my job!

It's My Pleasure

Who knew something so simple could matter so much?
I mean all I did was speak a name.
But it made a difference. And I'm going to keep on doing it.

That is, whenever possible I greet my guests by name, but it wasn't until yesterday that I realized the significance of doing so.
I was in the drive-thru, saw the name on my screen, and said, "Good morning, Rosemary!" as she pulled up to the window. And this dear woman smiled a smile soooo big and said, "Oh! You said my name. How nice!" It was an instant friendship at that point, and you would be correct if you guessed the rest of our interaction was delightful.
Later in the afternoon I was at the front counter taking orders when an international student came in for lunch. As I always do, I asked for his name to put on the order and he leaned in and spelled, "X-U." At that moment I recognized this young man and remembered the last time I waited on him. On that day he also spelled his name for me and I attempted to pronounce it. I said, "Zhu?" and he corrected me with an "sh" sound, rather than "z". So yesterday I smiled at him and said, "Shu, right?" He smiled right back, "Yes. That's right!" And the look in his eyes told me he was pleased I had remembered. He was happy to hear his name.

I am not sure what it is about hearing our name, but especially after these interactions at work yesterday I see it matters. I guess in this big, crazy world we feel a little more known - maybe a bit more secure - when we realize someone knows our name.
So, friends, let's make it a point today to let people know we see them. Say somebody's name!

It's My Pleasure

I love it when I get to have significant conversations with guests while I'm working.

Love.it!

Sometimes, however, I am not able to say or do the things my heart wants to pursue.
Like yesterday afternoon in the drive-thru.
We were super busy, and were getting cars through the line at a very good pace when I did a double-take at the guest sitting outside the window. She didn't do much to make eye contact with me, but I could see that she had been crying. And as I handed out a bag of waffle fries all I had time to do was pray for her silently. If it had been in the morning, or if there weren't a long line of cars behind her I would have slowed the interaction and asked about her circumstance.
(Though it didn't really look like she wanted to talk, anyway.)
As it was, when she pulled away I asked God to comfort her and be her help. While I took care of the next guest I prayed still. And even as I am typing these words, I continue to pray.
Thankful that God is not bound by time.
Trusting that He knows her needs.
Believing He can work on her behalf.
Grateful for the opportunity to notice and pray when somebody is hurting.
LORD, please keep me alert to Your Spirit and the things You would prompt me to do through Him.

It's My Pleasure

"May I have your name for your order?"
It's a request I make of each guest, so we are able to greet them by name when we deliver their meal. And Monday I was able to have some quick-on-my-feet fun with that interaction.
That is, I asked for a man's name and as I was entering it into the order he asked (with a playful tone of voice which said he thought I didn't know how to spell his name), "Uh, how are you going to spell that?"
Without missing a beat I said, "T-H-A-T."
And I gave him a great big smile until he caught on to what I had just said.
Then we shared a laugh while he gave me the correct spelling of his name, and while he congratulated me on my fast thinking.
Ahhhhh, I love my job!!!

It's My Pleasure

I love telling stories here about fun interactions I have with guests at Chick-fil-A.

Because I LOVE those moments.

But sometimes our exchanges are not amusing and life-giving.
Sometimes a guest is in a rush. They approach the counter already speaking their order - rapidly. Clearly communicating they don't have time for relationship-building.
On other occasions their non-verbals simply express that they're closed off that day. No interest in connecting. Just take my order and send me on my way, please.
I understand that not every transaction can be fun but, honestly, it can be a challenge for me to not take those moments personally. I so enjoy the delightful interactions that those on the other end of the spectrum can make my spirit sad. I have to talk myself into moving on, without getting stuck in discouragement.
So, Monday I was in the middle of one of those times. That is, a man and his family were standing in front of me. He was doing the talking - not super fast, not totally closed off - but dry, and bordering on unfriendly. And as I was just about ready to accept the situation as "one of those", I noticed part of an H followed by E,A,T, and part of an O on the t-shrit he was wearing beneath his jacket. And something that looked like a college seal. So I asked, "Is that a Wheaton t-shirt?"
He sort of perked up and said, "Uh, yes!"
Then I told him that my daughter graduated from Wheaton and I learned that his family was presently en route to Wheaton - where his son is a student. I told him how much we loved the school, and suddenly I found myself in a delightful conversation with this man who - seconds before - I had nearly excused as someone who didn't want to be engaged.
And I rediscovered the power of making a connection. When we find out we have something in common with another person, we seem to be drawn to finding out more. To strengthen the connection. Even if it's only for a couple of minutes over an order for lunch.
But it can make those couple of minutes delightful.

Makes me wonder what would happen if we looked for connections more often. Particularly in those interactions we have with difficult people!