Feed me, Seymour.

Dear diners,

I don't know if any of you remember the place. Maybe you have passed by it. Maybe there is one like it in your hometown. In Lexington, though, it is Mom's Loudon Lunch. Mom's is a tiny place, at the corner of Loudon Avenue and Limestone Street. Mom is Betty Franklin. The place really is a family affair; two daughters-in-law and her son have worked for Mom at one time or another, but everyone is treated like family. From the minute you walk in the place, you feel like you're at home (including the good-natured ribbing between you and your crazy Uncle Bob). Betty greets you with a "Hey hon', you hungry?", and you will have sufficiently dined by the time you leave.

There are times, though, when people need to be fed by another cook. Where can one go for such nourishment? Many of us talk about coming to church, participating in worship, or going to Sunday school; and we say it "feeds our soul". Have we thought about, or have we neglected to serve, those who are hungry for the soul food we receive each week? Do we smell the rich aromas of the dishes we hold in our arms, and do we know what it would mean to the people who need it?

If the citizens of the world were well-fed, physically and spiritually, maybe we would have fewer wars, less mayhem and violence. But the world is a big place, and a waiter can be overwhelmed. The server with too many tables can become frustrated, burn out, and serve no one well. But can we really afford to say,"Sorry, hon', that's not my table?" Though it may seem like every one in the world is waving their empty coffee cup, somehow we have to try and fill them.

A hungry soul that has to wait too long, or has a surly waitress, might soon: starve; or they could just go somewhere else to eat. Unfortunately, folks with bad experiences tell far more people than those who have had good experiences. Our reputation, however, is not what we should worry about most. A hungry soul will go somewhere, anywhere, until they are satisfied, seeking some experience that will complete them. They will get what they are looking for, even if it is not the food they are truly craving. Some don't even know what it is they really want, and may subsist on a steady diet of junk food.

The world is ready to serve them a smorgasbord; spiritual fast-food is just around the corner. A hungry soul will sample that spiritual smorgasbord, digesting each nibble and bite until it finds the tastes it is seeking. A little bit of Oprah, a dash of yoga, a smattering of Hinduism, Paganism, Christianity, Judaism, Taoism, a dash of salt and a pinch of sage. Mix well and simmer in a cast iron cauldron. Some hungry soul will find the combination delicious. Hungry souls are adventuresome eaters, and willing to try new things. But if the taste doesn't suit them, they don't always finish everything on their plate before savoring dessert.

Some may mistake spiritual hunger for a physical need. They may satisfy their appetite with the erotic pleasures of sensual living. It is no surprise to find some of the most desparate souls, and thus the most profitable mission fields, at your local 12-step meeting; the addiction du jour fills but doesn't satiate, and is an easy destination for those with spiritual eating disorders.

Maybe you have had this experience. I was craving chocolate ice cream. Only there wasn't any on hand. Sure, Kroger is open 24/7, but I didn't want to go out. It was the middle of the night. There was some strawberry yogurt; I like strawberry yogurt, but it isn't chocolate ice cream. It is cold and creamy, but it isn't chocolate ice cream. I ate it anyway; the whole thing. The funny thing is, and you can guess this, it just fails to satisfy. I wasn't hungry for just anything that was cold and sweet and creamy. I wanted chocolate ice cream! So why did I do it? I wasn't starving, or in desparate physical need of any food available. So why did I do it? Because it was there. Because it was there.

What would you do if, next time we serve communion, you heard the growling stomach of the person next to you and they leaned over and asked,"Hey, can I have some of yours? I'm hungry." They're in the right place to be hungry. They're usually not so fothright and obvious. We have to look and listen closely.

Is that your table?

~Bill