Even Split

Even Split

[Jesus said,] “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life. . . . Look at the birds. . . . Your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

Matthew 6:25-26

My Weight Watchers leader loves to point me out as the member who eats out all the time and has still lost lots of weight. The other members are constantly asking me where I eat, what I order, and the like.

I usually say, “It’s not about where you eat. It’s about what you eat when you get there.”

They just shake their heads as if to say, “You’re crazy! I could never do it.”

But it works for me.

One day I was in one of my favorite local diners at lunchtime. It’s not a fancy place, but the food’s good, it’s clean, the service is great, and the prices are reasonable. I go there for good vegetables and down-home Southern cooking. And I enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and the fact that everyone knows my name.

The clientele at the diner is varied, including well-dressed business people, blue-collar workers, construction guys, and a delightful cross section of local humanity. The waitstaff treats everyone the same, so everybody feels comfortable and important.

On this particular day, two shabbily dressed guys came in and sat at a table near me at the back. It looked as if they had just jumped off a freight train. They ordered regular lunches and iced tea, ate hungrily, and enjoyed it immensely.

Finally, wiping his mouth with his napkin, one of the guys picked up the check and looked at it. Then he said to his friend with a grin, “Say, Ernie, shall we split the check evenly?”

“Sure, Dutch,” said his friend. “That’s fine with me.”

“Okay, so do you want to wash or dry?”

Dear Lord, thank you for providing for your people—in one way or another. Teach us to help each other along the way. Amen.