my pleasure

My family and I finished celebrating Memorial Day with a meal at the local Chick-fil-a. I've commented to several people lately how I've always been impressed with the customer service at any Chick-fil-a. I always feel important and cared about after a visit, even if it's a drive through. Yes, I'm really just buying a simple chicken sandwich, some cool cut fries, and some sweet tea (all of which are done very well, but nothing really fancy), but it always seems like the folks at Chick-fil-a treat people that go there like they are at a 5 star dining establishment.

Back to tonight...My wife had made "reservations" to try out the new spicy chicken sandwich (it's good by the way, and I'm not a fan of spicy foods). We came in and walked up to the counter, where we were greeted with a smile and were asked if we had made reservations (odd for a fast food restaurant). We said yes, and were then escorted over to a special section of the restaurant that had been decorated and set apart for those with reservations. The tables were decorated, complete with a fresh cut rose in the center of the table. We were then waited on at the table...order taken, drinks brought, food brought, condiments brought, drinks refilled, dessert offered...anything we needed or asked for (again, we are at a fast food restaurant). We were checked on just often enough, and well cared for...all this at a fast foot restaurant. I left with a smile on my face because I love Chick-fil-a food and my belly was happy, but more so because of how my family and I were treated. We were treated better than at several other places where the expectations were much greater due to reputation (and prices).

Three different times I thanked people for bringing things (ketchup, extra napkins, and ice cream...excuse me...ice dream) and all three different people answered with a simple, "My pleasure." Now, I know that's probably what they are trained to say, but there was a smile and sincerity behind each answer. I watched and heard the same response and sincerity displayed to everyone around me, no matter how loud, annoying, selfish, kind, compassionate, quiet they happened to be. No matter the person, no matter the situation, "My pleasure!" was the answer. Sincere care and a servant's heart was shown to all.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another..." Ephesians 4:32

Stay strong,

Tim