Outside the Press Box :: Dr. David Davis

   My 16-year-old daughter, Lexis, got her first job a couple of months ago at Chick-fil-A in Silverlake. It doesn't take long to realize that this fast food restaurant is so much more than a quick drive thru or sit down, eat, and scurry out the door.
   There is information that says, "The person who operates this Chick-fil-A restaurant is an independent business person. As a result, our Operators take pride in their restaurants and the community they serve. This commitment defines the essence of Chick-fil-A.
   From the moment you enter, the language from those taking your order is different. Instead of asking if they can take your order, they say, "It's a great day at Chick-fil-A, my name is Lexis, what can I make for you today?"
   Just wish I could get that kind of response out of her at home.
   You also notice Christian music is being played and they are closed on Sunday to give the employees a chance to worship and/or to have time with their families.
   I went to see my daughter in action after the first couple of days on the job. While there, I noticed a sweet lady who came to my table with a lovely smile asking if I needed anything. I watched with great interest as she greeted each person she saw with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes.
   I decided to sit down with Ms. Abigail on Monday night and visit with her. I looked at her name plate and she was quick to tell me, "My name is Abigail. That name is in the Bible."
   I asked what made her so happy? She said, "I have Jesus in my heart and I just love to come to work and help others. When I smile - others smile. It is more important to help people."
   Ms. Abigail has five children with the oldest being 47. She made sure I knew she had 12 grandchildren - six boys and six girls.
   The name Abigail means, "the source of joy." And Ms. Abigail is living proof that her name matches her spirit of blessing others.
   My daughter said, "Ms. Abigail is always happy and smiling. No matter what problems she might have, you would never know it. She is such a great example to all of us who are young."
   My short time with Ms. Abigail caused me to think of the word "influence" so I decided to look deeper at that word and I came away with some unusual insight. The word comes from latin that literally means "inflow." It is a word picture of two rivers merging together - one a mighty force and the other - a smaller stream. As they merged - the smaller stream would get caught up and carried away in the flow of the mighty river and the two would be caught up together.
   The influence of someone allows us to be caught up in their flow.
   When I finished, I got up to leave and Ms. Abigail thanked me for coming in to eat at Chick-fil-A with that infectious smile. She had allowed me to be a part of her influence. I was a part of her "inflow" - her sweet and genuine spirit of servanthood -- and it made my day.
   Needless to say -- I will stop by again to see Ms. Abigail and enjoy her kindness. And so should you!
   I left with a smile on my face knowing that someone loved her job and people -- and she allowed me to get into her "flow" of life.
   E-mail: drdd@swbell.net