I enjoyed a quick phone call today with a colleague and good friend. She is a wonderful resource for me in the law enforcement dimension of my ministry as well. I called her at noon today, because I need to consult with her on a pending crisis situation. My mother taught me good manners, so quite naturally I said: Am I interrupting your lunch? She told me she was eating in her car, as she made her way to the next event that needed immediate attention. The preacher in me came out in full force. You should not be eating in your car! You should take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal. On and on I went with my lecture…

As soon as we got off the phone, I hopped in my truck, and took notice of the McDonald’s sack sitting in the floor on the passenger side. Hmm…I ate an egg mcmuffin as a brunch meal of sorts about 9:30 this morning, because I knew that I would not have time to stop for lunch. I have such good habits! I am so qualified to lecture to my friends about their on the go eating practice. It is actually pretty sad. I contrast our lifestyle with that of Jan’s parents, who live on a farm 18 miles from any known civilization.

Jan’s folks have eaten their midday meal known as “dinner” at 12:30 sharp for the past 50 years. I suspect you could count on one hand the number of times in that 50 year period that they ventured off that routine, if they were in town. They sit down to eat. They enjoy veggies from their garden. When the kids were at home, they ate beef that was raised on their farm. Granny and Granddad do not get in a hurry. They usually eat a small bowl of frozen yogurt to top off the meal. If I told my in-law’s that I have friends who on the go in their car, they would flip! That is so foreign to them. If I told them that I ate my egg mcmuffin this morning, while I drove, I would get a stern lecture!

Truthfully they understand that our lifestyle is very different from the one they enjoy in rural America. But I think we could learn a few things from them. I do need to slow down. And my friends should as well! It would be good for me to invite my friends to have a leisurely lunch with me at one of our locally owned restaurants. And when we do it, we should take our time! The food will be great and the company will be even better. The conversation will be rich.

I think I am going to go on the “Granny Diet.” Eat three healthy meals a day. Take my time. Enjoy the company. And top it off with a little frozen yogurt!  But there is a major problem with the “Grannie Diet.” I can’t eat egg mcmuffins going down the road….It may get interesting, but I think it would be good for me to give it a shot, when I get back from camp on Friday. I had better, because after all it is important to practice what you preach!