I was about 12 at the time the first yellow or white VW Bugs started
appearing in Scotch Plains with Chicken Delight written on them. And they made
a great impact on me, and while my friends were aspiring to greater things, I
wanted to drive for Chicken Delight. The drivers were high school guys, at my
age to be looked up to and respected, and if they were driving and were cool,
that is what I wanted to be. The ads on 77-WABC told us "don't cook tonight,
call Chicken Delight," and this Bug squad was the answer to many hungry caller's
prayers, dispatched with hot fried chicken and mashies or fries, and Cole slaw.
Brought right to your door. How cool my friends were when they pulled into
their drive-we all knew what they were having for dinner. Sure beat whatever
Mom made...and it was delivered.
But the chicken and fries that arrived in the insulated heated case in the
back of the Bug where the seat should have been was anything but crispy. Soft
chicken, although hot with limp fries, even the Cole slaw was warm. But it was
good, with a flavor all its own. And if you liked your chicken crispy like I
did, this was an exciting meal, just not a delicious one.
But things had changed by the time I could get my license, a new McDonalds
had come to town, and a family of four could go out to eat for under $3. It was
fast, so no planning was needed, and it rescued Mom from making dinner and it
was like a night out. Sadly Chicken Delight suffered, no more Bugs. They went
from 1000 locations to bankruptcy. No one wanted their chicken anymore, and
with the Colonel doing it right, it was either that or a burger. It was you
deserve a break today, have it your way, or a Gino Giant or Carrollburger.
Quick tasty meat instead of chicken on the bone. and I never got to have my
dream come true-driving for Chicken Delight. They delivered, now we went out
instead.
Delivery and delight are not new to God. Psalm 1 tells us to delight in
the Lord, and the Lord's prayer tells us how He delivers us from evil. Two
concepts lost in our fast food world. We are to delight in the Lord, spending
time with Him. Meditating it is called, just spending time and thinking on
Him. He loves it. And Jesus was sent to deliver us from our sin. A good thing
that we couldn't do on our own. He also delivers us from daily problems, large
or small. Out of work, facing foreclosure, and divorce-He will deliver you.
And bring you delight. But the key is listening to Him. A conversation is not
a dialogue unless you listen. And He will direct your paths, and show you new
ways you never thought possible.
Pizza is the only fast food readily available for delivery today. And like
the old Chicken Delight, may taste different than at the diner after scraping
the toppings off the inner box lid. it may not be a as hot and fresh, but it
came to you. Jesus comes to us, hot, fresh, and willing to feed us what we
need. 24/7. No delivery charge. And He is delighted to do it. So don't cook
tonight, don't be a chicken, and call on the Lord. Delight in Him. Have it His
way! You deserve a break today-His name is Jesus. More filling-tastes great.
All the things the world promises, He delivers.
But still if for only one night, I would love to be out delivering in those
white or yellow Beetles. The smell still fresh in mind, long after the food is
gone. So "don't cook tonight, call Chicken Delight!" Yes sir! To be that
cool high school guy driving by while all the other kids were watching. Now
that was cool-rubbery chicken, limp fries, and all. Delightful, delivered. In
person, by our Lord.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com