the chili upcharge

“Confession is good for the soul.”  While this saying is not in the Bible, a lot of folks think it is.  But I’m confessing today, and hoping you won’t look on me too condemningly for sharing one of my bad habits with you.
 
So what is this big secret of mine?  I like fast food.  I often eat fast food for lunch when I go out by myself.  There, I’m glad I got that out!
 
One of my favorite fast food places has had a deal for several years for its lunch-time patrons.  The deal includes a small cheeseburger, a regular sized chili dog, an order of fries, a cookie, and a drink, all for $5.  This is my go-to meal at this particular place.
 
Today, I walked in and ordered my favorite combo, and I noticed that the price was no longer $5.  It has been raised to $6.  Then, the lady at the counter asked me if I wanted chili on my hot dog.  “Of course, I want chili on my hot dog,” I said.  “Why wouldn’t I?”
 
“We have to charge extra for the chili and onions now, sir,” she said.
 
Turns out, my favorite fast food place has really angered me, now.  An upcharge for chili and onions? Really?
 
I took my plain hot dog, sulked back to the booth, and made a note to myself never to eat at this place again. 
 
I understand that it costs a lot more to run a business now than it did years ago.  That’s why I didn’t balk at paying a dollar more for my combo meal.  But then, they want to charge more for what used to be included?  I may be a fast food junkie, but even us fast food junkies have our standards, and we know when they’re billing us for killing us!
 
Rant over.
 
Bottom line?  It takes more money to do everything nowadays. I can remember my first allowance, when I received 10 cents per week.  Back then, that dime actually bought something.  Not now.
 
Do I have a point?  Yes.  As the guy who has to look after the day-to-day operation of the church, I have to pay attention to numbers and money. Not my favorite thing to do, but it comes with the job. Anyway, it takes a lot of money to keep the ministries of the church going.  I am always humbled and grateful to see the sacrifices that people make for the Church and the cause of Christ.  In spite of the fact that we are regularly challenged to give more, faithful people like you answer the call.  I appreciate it.  I appreciate you.
 
See you Sunday.  I’ll be the guy not eating a chili dog! What we do here matters.
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