Grub

I remember the first time I made the conscious decision to go out and have a meal by myself. It was at a restaurant in the Richland Parkway called Subs n Jean. My culinary craving was for neither subs nor jean. I knew from a previous visit that they also served...sushi! And it was really good sushi, too, as I had heard that the owners hired the sushi chef from New York City. (Whether or not that's true, I'm not sure...but it's part of the story nonetheless...just don't get too excited. That sushi chef is no longer there.) I walked up to the restaurant, marched up to the counter, and ordered exactly what I wanted: a spider roll and unagi. I sat down with my meal and ate. Alone. No electronics and no deep conversation. Just me, my sushi, and a window where I could watch the world pass by. Much to my surprise, I really liked it. I had no sense of wondering if people thought I was a weirdo with no friends. Rather, the experience led me to have many solo coffee and lunch outings, sometimes as a "people watcher," there to enjoy the food and service and other times accompanied with a notebook and pen to jot down stories and musings from the week.

After running some errands this past Saturday, I found myself craving one of these dates, or more accurately, craving a good burger and fries! At the recommendation of some youth I worked with, I went to Grub Burger Bar. I asked the employee at the counter for recommendations and settled on the Lockhart Legend, a local favorite loaded with bacon, cheddar, and two onion rings (I mean, if you're craving a burger, get a BURGER!) I seated myself on the patio at a table for two. Since it was a late lunch, there wasn't much of a crowd, so I was able to fully enjoy the sunny weather and cool breeze blowing across the deck. When my food was set before me, I said the blessing for my meal, inviting Jesus into the seat across from me. I thought to myself, "I can probably finish that in one sitting. I'm pretty hungry."

I started with the French fries and was delighted that they were perfectly seasoned, and crisped to a golden brown. I gave the burger a second look and decided to cut it in half, "just in case." I enjoyed the juicy patty, melted cheese and savory bacon. As the first onion ring slid from my mouth, I thought to myself, "yes...this is exactly what I wanted." Bite after bite left me wanting more and hoping that the tasty morsels would last. Eventually, I felt my stomach filling. I looked at what remained on my plate and thought to myself "I could finish it if I really wanted to." But seeing the server two tables away, I instead asked her for a to-go box.

In that moment, I could sense Jesus himself laughing at me. After all, I had invited him into this time. In the depths of my heart, I heard him whisper, "That burger is just like the blessings I want to give you. You crave them. You pursue them. You ask for them. I delight in you when you devour them. You think you can finish them all in one sitting. But there's just too many. You can save them for a rainy day when you hunger for them once again. And even then, they will never run out because I will always replenish them."

I smiled not because my stomach had been satisfied but because my heart was satisfied. This surprise encounter with Jesus reminded me that I can find him in the chapel, but sometimes he sits right across me at a burger joint in the middle of the suburb. He never tires of these encounters, and while sometimes I wonder if it is me pursuing Him or Him pursuing me, neither do I.

So my advice for the week: Seek Jesus in everything, everywhere, and everyone. He may surprise you as you realize He is already there.