I was excited. I had not worked as the dining room hostess in months. (For those of you who don't know, I have worked at Chick-fil-A for almost two years now.) The shift I had originally been scheduled for, I had traded with someone else. I was thrilled with my opportunity! - one I had been greatly missing. The day seemed normal... not too busy, keeping up with tables, refreshing beverages, clearing trays, mopping spills... as I made my rounds checking in with guests, I was pleasantly surprised as I heard a voice from the table in front of me, a high-pitched squeal of joy, "My name is Emily too!!!!" I had recognized the family --- a father with his two Chinese (I believe adopted) daughters. I'm filled with indescribable joy whenever I get to see them. Emily and Hannah are the names of these sweet faces. The lunch rush continued, and I was able to chat with the girls every so often, get their ice cream, etc. (I love my job!!)
As they made their way to the door, getting ready to leave, I was suddenly embraced around my legs by Emily as we said our goodbyes. "I get a hug today!!", I joyfully exclaimed. "And one from Hannah too!" Hannah ran as I bent down to embrace her tiny body. Waving goodbye to their dad, I was surprised by another gift... Emily suddenly grabbed my arms and pulled me down to her level. She placed her soft cheek to my ear, smiling, and whispered, "Emily, do you love Jesus?"
I could feel the tears rushing to my eyes, my throat swelling. I looked into her eyes, smiling from ear-to-ear. Among the chatter-filled dining room, it felt as if we were the only two in the room... "Yes, I love Jesus!" Instantly, she gasped, and exclaimed in exuberance, "You do??!!"
I've never seen such joy on a 7-year-old's face. She ran to her daddy and shared her joy, "Daddy, Emily loves Jesus too!!!"
I can barely share this story without crying. There is no doubt in my mind that God had planned that divine appointment with Emily. It has made this new year one like any other. How many times have I asked someone if they love Jesus? Is my response, if asked the same question, completely honest? Does my life reflect one that loves Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength? Is Christ an ever-present joy that causes me to run and tell others of this joy?
Resolutions are a wonderful thing. But this year, mine is so much more meaningful... living a life that loves Jesus, allowing my life to be one like Emily's: sharing that joy with others... making the most of every opportunity - those divine appointments - for the glory of God. I love how the most mundane circumstances are the ones that God uses to bring glory to Himself... causing the heart of Chick-fil-A dining room hostess to overflow with joy because of the bold whisper from the mouth of a child. Today, this year, I praise God for sweet whispers of Jesus' name... My heart is overwhelmed and I am inspired to be bold, grasping the arms of others in order to share Jesus with them.
SDG
