For many years, Chick-Fil-A has been my favorite fast-food chain. In fact, I would be tempted to say, I LOVE Chick-Fil-A. But that would mean I’m idolizing an inanimate object, obsessing over it or thinking about it 24/7! And I’m not. Well, at least most of the time, I’m not. So, it’s not correct to say I LOVE it. I just really, really, really like it a lot!
And here’s why. I like their business model. Their high standard of service and food. Their commitment to family values by choosing to stay closed on Sunday. And their friendliness and sincerity. When I hear “It’s my pleasure” as the cashier hands me my order and it’s accompanied by a genuine smile, I want to come back! Chick-Fil-A has the service thing down. I’m so impressed:-). I have to say the cows are really cute, too!
No, I’m not being paid to promote Chick-Fil-A. I was simply reminded of them recently as I “popped, dropped and prayed,” and not because I was hungry. (Although at that time of the morning, it is entirely possible to be craving a CFA chicken biscuit!) During my prayer time that particular day, I confessed to God that I spend way too much time thinking about what brings ME pleasure rather than what would bring pleasure to others and to Him.
And that lead to a discussion between me and the Lord about my attitude when I’m serving. Am I genuinely seeing it as “my pleasure” to serve and love on people? Or am I simply doing it out of obligation and a “let’s get it done so I can do what I want to do” attitude? Then of course, my thoughts went to the last time I was at Chick Fil A and heard “It’s my pleasure.” That’s service with a smile and an attitude of genuine pleasure to serve.
Two weeks ago, I paid my last respects to my late husband’s mother, my mother-in-law for 29 years. It was an honor and a privilege to help my sister-in-law arrange the details for the funeral service and sing as part of that service, but I met a woman at the funeral home who truly modeled a servant’s heart for me. She was in charge of the food laid out for the family during the viewing. Not only did she arrange a beautiful spread of food for us, but she made sure we had everything we needed. She didn’t want anyone to go hungry. She packed up the leftover food for us to take home, then hugged me and said, “I’m so sorry for your loss. It was an honor and my pleasure to serve you today. God bless you.” And I could tell she really meant every word. She wasn’t just saying it because it is part of her job. She had an “it’s my pleasure” attitude. What an impression she made on me!
So my prayer is that God will give me a genuine desire to serve others, a joyful spirit as I do so, a smile of pleasure to go with it, and real delight in being in relationship with people. I want to say “it’s my pleasure to………
…….pray.”
…….listen.”
…….encourage.”
…….give.”
…….serve.”
…….teach children.”
…….share.”
I want to have an “It’s my pleasure-a-tude!” How about you? Want to join me in cultivating an “It’s my pleasure-a-tude?” I promise it will change your outlook!
Tonight I have the “pleasure” of presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ to 5th, 6th and 7th graders at our church’s VBS. I can’t wait to see how God speaks through me! What a pleasure:-).
P.S. I’m over half-way in my 60-day journey of “Pop, Drop and Pray!” It’s been exactly 5 weeks. I will be honest that I have missed a day or two, but I’m on my way to making this a life-long habit of starting the day on my knees in prayer. And I’m so excited about the way God has been honoring those prayers and answering in really awesome ways! By the way, my newest altar was a toilet!! My husband walked in on me and wasn’t quite sure whether I was getting ready to throw up, trying to fix the toilet or praying. LOL! It’s not too late to join me for “Pop! Drop! and Pray!” Read my last two posts to see what you’ve been missing:-).
P.S.S. And just in case you have never heard Tim Hawkin’s Chick-Fil-A song, here it is for your listening “pleasure.” If you’ve already heard it, I’m sure watching it again will still bring a smile to your face:-).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5EztTZYbyU
Soul Care 
I totally agree with you Karen. Many times it is easy to just serve to get things done and out of the way so that we can move on and do some more service. But we have to ask ourselves, did I really serve? Was I Christ to that person or was I Christ in that situation. Many times I think we get wrapped up in the serve and not the serving. Thank you for your gentle, loving reminder.. Deeann
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Thanks for following my blog; you are very kind.
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