God keeps the clock

A couple weeks ago, I interviewed with Chick-fil-A corporate for the position of Interim Manager. This is the position that I intended to apply for from the very beginning. It was my goal. It was my target. To apply, I needed to have 2 years of CFA under my [Oobe] belt. The 2 year mark will be around December 30, but corporate was coming to Charlotte to conduct field interviews, so I thought I would go ahead and interview.

Many, many, many were praying for me, sending me well-wishes, pumping me up, etc… it was AWESOME. The support I received was incredible… but that was not a surprise. God has blessed me with insanely phenomenal friends over the past 33 years.

As I walked into the hotel conference room in Huntersville, NC, I had a peace knowing that whatever the outcome of the interview, it was all part of my story – God’s plan for my life. I interviewed with 3 gentlemen from CFA, Inc:  Andre Kennebrew, Dustin Bennett, and Russ Lambros. Each of these men were kind, professional, and were prime examples of WHO Chick-fil-A is as a brand.

I felt as if the interviews went very well. I was confident, had answers to all of their questions, and gave it everything I had in me. They informed me that I would hear back in a couple of weeks concerning the position of Interim Manager.

Fast forward to a few days ago, and while driving to work down 485 in Charlotte, Andre called me from Atlanta to inform me that they have very limited spots to fill, and that I would not be in the class for 2015 due to the level of competition in the pool with me.

So that was that! I had my answer. I knew that I had applied really early on in my career with CFA, and in addition to that, CFA has revamped the IM program to the point where it is similar to applying for a store. The competition and field is THAT competitive.

Through some follow-up in recent days, I learned that God showed me favor in their eyes… and that they thought highly of me. I was encouraged to either remain in Chick-fil-A and further develop, or to leave Chick-fil-A for a while, find a company that I can grow and lead many people, and then come back and apply for a store. It was definitely a vote of confidence to learn that they believe I would represent the brand well when it’s my time.

So I am encouraged and I am excited! We are still selling our home. We are supposed to close on it in the next couple of weeks. We are also close to renting a home 4 minutes from my local CFA, whereas I was driving 25 minutes one-way for 2 years. This will allow for more time with the family and for local store development, as well as give me the freedom to pick up and go if the Lord wants me to take another job elsewhere for the time being, even if it is in another state.

It’s been a whirlwind! Living your future out by faith is not easy. It’s hard on marriage, family, and God and friend relationships. But the lessons learned are invaluable because your trust is in the ONE who created you and ultimately knows the blueprint for your life… so we rejoice in the fact that we know HIM personally and are downright thrilled for what tomorrow and beyond holds for us. Day by day, moment by moment….

Again, I thank each of you for your love and support constantly. We have never felt alone through this process. So many operators, corporate staff, local staff and friends and family have reached out and shown love and kindness through this time… and it’s mind-blowing that God has allowed me the privilege of calling people like you “friends”. I am so stinkin’ blessed.

I will keep you updated going forward. The plan is to continue serving at the Chick-fil-A of Wesley Chapel. It’s home. It’s where my heart is. I will further develop, and develop others. In the meantime, if God opens up a different opportunity and it’s clear development will happen outside of CFA for a while, then let’s go!

God keeps the clock. He exalts in His time, and His time is always perfect.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6