Enjoying True Welcome in the Burger Spot

Friday, February 23

“Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

In the heart of our Main Street stands a beloved burger spot, an icon since 1938. It clung to its unique traits for a long time: such as no cheese, cash only and getting your food before finding a table. It now takes credit cards and offers cheese as a burger topping, but the distinct menu remains, drawing both locals and visitors. Despite a bustling lunch rush and limited tables, there’s always room.


This spot isn’t just for locals, either. It’s a pilgrimage for burger seekers. Approaching the counter with my usual order, delivered in the restaurant’s unique lingo, triggers a smile from the familiar cashier, an unspoken recognition of me as one of the regulars. But it remains a warm, welcoming spot even when a newcomer is told they don’t sell french fries or don’t have lettuce and tomatoes. It’s a place where strangers become friends, where the unspoken rules create a sense of community. You always run into friends and family from near and far, giving everyone a sense of home.

PRAYER | Gracious God, we’re grateful for places in our communities that mirror your inclusivity. May the comfort and simplicity of these places and times remind us of those seeking to belong in your church. Help us share this welcome message with others, and through our interactions with others, teach us to understand that true belonging lies in Christ. Grant us patience as we wait, knowing that seeking leads to finding, that waiting opens promised doors. Guide us to embrace fellowship, spreading the love of Christ. And when we encounter such places, remind us that our ultimate home is in your presence. Amen.

Devotional by:

Dayton Wilson

Elizabethtown, North Carolina

These devotions come from a book of the same name published by The Presbyterian Outlook. Hard copies of the devotional book are available around the church.