Nothing Fancy

 Gratitude Year 10 - Day 72: Today, I am grateful for nothing fancy.

Some of our favorite times with family and friends are “nothing fancy”. We have a place near home called the “Burger Barge”. It sits on the river and serves up great burgers and other delights. The homemade river chips are a fan favorite. The “anchors” are their version of a Midwest horseshoe” and one of them can easily feed two people. Skip it if you are opposed to rustic, sticky charm. Our people enjoy the fellowship as much as the food. 

In Traverse City, MI…there is a burger place downtown that is not even as fancy as Steak and Shake, but the food is excellent. JJ’s, I believe is the name. We went with Lola and enjoyed hearing them reminiscing about going to JJ’s with their Dad as kids. 

Kanakakee boasts some of the best burgers in the area at “Burgers and Beers”.  It was there the “Love of my Life” discovered Peanut Butter Burgers on a pretzel bun… don’t knock it until you try it. Yum! The great little restaurant brings a load of business to Kankakee. 

In St. Thomas, there is a nothing fancy place called “The Tap & Still”. Oh are the burgers good! The fries are obviously homemade to rival any I’ve had elsewhere. It is a gathering place for locals and visitors. 

All of these places you can show up wearing what are you comfortable. All of the prices are excellent and the service friendly. All of them are places where loved ones gather. All of the are nothing fancy. 

Hospitality is a gift. Those who pour it out in others keep us sheltered and feed. Warm and friendly places tend to grow their customer base quickly.  

We are told in the scriptures to share the Good News in love. Simple. Honest. True. Not fancy but life changing. Hospitality doesn’t require fancy foods. 

 Today, I am grateful for nothing fancy.