Ketchup and Mustard, Please

• Young.
• Old.
• Black.
• White.
• Down on their luck.
• Homeless.

 

 

A booming voice emerged out of the crowd, “Let us pray.” I bowed my head and listened. In my heart, I prayed, “Lord, please multiply this food.”

 

And so it began.

 

• Burgers.
• Fries.
• Bread.
• Lettuce.
• Tea.
• And ice cream.

 

I had the lettuce. It’s the last on the food line, so I get to hand the plate to each person. I love it! It gives me an opportunity to ask how each person is doing, smile, look them in the eyes, and joke with them about getting their veggies.

 

 

Someone on my team set out the condiments. Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and all the burger fixings.

 

A middle-aged woman–not more than 5-feet tall–picked up her plate, turned around toward the tables, and stopped.

 

“Ketchup and mustard?!? That’s rich people stuff.”

 

She rushed over and piled the condiments onto her plate like a child unattended in a candy store.

 

Rich people stuff.I don’t know about you, but when I think of the wealthy, I don’t think of condiments. I see fancy cars, a huge home, and other luxuries.That middle-aged woman sees it differently. I have a car and a home. I have ketchup, and I have mustard. Indeed, I am wealthy. 

I may not be where I want to be in life. I may be facing many hardships.

 

• Addictions.
• Hurts.
• Illness.
• Financial troubles.

 

But God has promised never to leave me or to forsake me–whatever my circumstance (Hebrews 13:5). I can take comfort not in the riches of this world, but in the riches of faith, family, friends, food, and yes, ketchup and mustard.

 

 

Come alongside…What can you thank God for today? What little things have you overlooked that show how much God has blessed you?