The Pleasure of Service

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

I recently read a story about the phrase “my pleasure” and its history of use at Chick Fil A. This phrase is used by employees when someone says thank you. It is an abbreviated response of the phrase “It was my pleasure” or “It is my pleasure to serve”. Corporately, staff at Chick Fil A use it exclusively in place of “You’re Welcome”. Regardless of what you may think of Chick Fil A’s food, or their position on social justice issues, this perspective change feels remarkable.

Since the middle of February the company I work for has been offering COVID vaccination clinics for high risk populations. Our first weekend the wind chills in Lincoln ranged as cold as -30 degrees. People came out in the cold for their vaccine. Volunteers worked in the parking garage to help with parking and wayfinding. We had so many people who were so thankful that they could come to a site they were familiar with for service. Our volunteers were so thankful to provide a service to these patients. Many times we heard volunteers say “this was awesome” or “I had so much fun” or even “It feels good to be a part of this”. For those who worked, it was a true pleasure to serve. We had more than 100 volunteers and served nearly 1000 individuals.   

Maybe this volunteering was so rewarding because the recipients were so happy and grateful for the vaccine. Maybe it was because so many of us haven’t been able to volunteer or be with a large group of humans because of the pandemic. Maybe it was because we were able to feel that “pleasure” of giving. The “pleasure” of service.     

Prayer: God whose son showed us the joy of service, thank You for all our opportunities to share Your love and gifts with those around us.  In Your name, Amen. 

Christi Moock