Fried Bologna!

 

“It’s Back!”  The sign in front of the restaurant read.  “Fried Bologna!”

A surprised look came on my face.  I hadn’t known that Fried Bologna was gone.  I wondered whether if it had an enjoyable time during its time away from Brookneal.  I could picture it sitting on a beach somewhere in North Carolina sipping an Arnold Palmer and watching the tide come in.

I wondered at my lack of emotion in thinking about the Return of Fried Bologna.  There are many things that are life changing, but this just didn’t seem to fit that category at all.

At the same time, I have heard of people pursuing the craziest things.  I remember a story from a while back of people who would invest hours driving to locations where McDonald’s McRib sandwiches were for sale.  I've had a McRib and I can't say I enjoyed it enough that I would order at a local McDonald's.  I certainly wouldn't drive many miles to get one.

There are different things that people devote their time and energy to.  It could be mastering chess or learning to read the Iliad in the original Greek.  I suppose the problem is that we don’t really know ahead of acquiring this item or skill whether we will fill rewarded at the end of accomplishing it.

Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33)  Quite simply, if you put the important things first, everything works out better than if you fill your life with trivialities and then try to squeeze in a few valuable things around the edges.

Everyone reaches the end of their life having used 24 hours each day and 7 days each week.  All will have accomplished many different things, but whether or not they feel a sense of accomplishment will depend totally on what those things are.

Those who pursue the kingdom of God will receive satisfaction in a way that others will not – even those who pursue Fried Bologna in Brookneal, Virginia.