How a chicken sandwich taught me I don’t like change.

Military life, parenthood, homeschooling, and ministry all hold fast to some very important truths.

  • Expect the unexpected
  • Everything will change
  • Enjoy today because it wont be here long
  • Embrace the roller coaster ride!

Are you picking up on the theme? Change. It is inevitable. Avoid getting comfortable because that’s when it all hits the fan. So that’s my life. Everything changes.

So why did I find that chicken sandwich so upsetting?

A Little Background

Chick-fil-a and I have a history. My very first job ever. I was 16 and I stayed on through college. Sure it was only weekends and eventually only holidays but CFA in the Hot Springs Mall was a very special place. I’d go on my off days just to see coworkers. I learned a great deal about work ethic and I developed a standard for friendship amongst those I work with. Working amongst men and women I respect and who show respect has become my highest requirement when seeking employment.

I took a 4 year hiatus from the world of cows and chickens during grad school but it wasn’t long after graduation when I found myself as a Marketing Director for a store in Conway, AR. So you could say we have history.

My Meal of Choice

Over the years (20 if we are counting) I had developed a meal of choice. It only deviated during flu season (nothing is better for a cold then a hot cup of Chick-fil-a Chicken Noodle Soup). Without fail I would order a Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich deluxe, Waffle Fries, and a large sweet tea. Yes, I’m a southern girl I like my tea like syrup, stop judging. I would then smother that sandwich and fries in honey mustard.

It’s GONE!

My sandwich is gone! Yes I realize that there is so much going on in the world that this seems minor. But that sandwich has been my go to comfort meal since high school, through college, grad school, trips to St Jude, three pregnancies, and two deployments… are you seeing the relationship I have with this sandwich.

So when they handed me the new Grilled Chicken Sandwich today I have to admit I was sad… ok a little more then sad. I didn’t want to eat it. But after a few moments of realizing how ridiculous I was being I took a few bites and guess what! I LOVE IT. It’s better then my old friend. It does not require a slathering of honey mustard, I can save that for the fries.

Lesson Learned

I claim that I love change, that I thrive in new atmospheres. I desire to PCS and to discover new places. But there are a few things (like Chicken Sandwiches) that I hold very close.

A Time For…

Our family has found itself in a time of standing still. We are standing still waiting for the next adventure God has for us. We know it’s right around the corner and we wait with excited anticipation. But in the meantime we do not neglect the joy in being where he has us. He has us standing still and yet there is change all around us. I can fight that change or I can dig in and enjoy every single bite!

So while I’m devouring this new change that Chick-fil-a has forced on me (and which took a few bites but I am now grateful) I know that more changes are coming in my life and I plan to embrace them with joy rather then fight them with a sour face.

 

So for today I will leave you with a few quotes on change. When you are starting to feel overwhelmed by all that is taking place around you think on these (or go order a Grilled Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-a and be reminded that even change we don’t believe is necessary can bring unexpectedly yummy results).

The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists. ~Japanese Proverb

We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance. ~Harrison Ford

If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary Engelbreit

And one of my favorites which is about Queen Esther. Her people are facing annihilation and she is frightened to stand before the king to plead for their life. Her uncle responds to her with these words from Esther 4:4

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?

Share with us in the comments what big change has or is about to occur for you that you are resistant to. It can be as small as a chicken sandwich or bigger than any of us could ever imagine. Let’s talk!

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Categories: Home Schooling, Marriage, Military, Motherhood
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  • Amy Hollingsworth

    Hi Hope, loved your story. In a world that is constantly changing, I know about clinging to something that makes you happy. Sometimes, we just need to the good old standbys. Keep up the great work!

    • https://www.hopengriffin.com Hope Griffin

      Thanks Amy. CFA is deffinetly my good old standby :)

  • http://www.KenChristensen.com Ken Christensen

    Hope, I really enjoyed reading your story. All too often those of us who say we like change have things we’d rather not see changed. I’ve got a longer list in a shorter period of time with Chick-fil-A, but to say I’m a fan would be an understatement. We share the same favorite sandwich! And back when my CFA still had the cheese sauce, I would dip the waffle fries in that. I also just finished eating a chocolate chunk cookie crumbled on top of the parfait instead of the crushed Oreo cookies.

    Our scrapbook store, http://www.CafeCrop.com is honored to participate in Operation Write Home, where our customers make cards to ship to service men and women so that they have a home-made card to send back to their loved ones.

    Thanks for sharing your site with the GN community! Great job!