Grace Before Meals

An old farmer visited a neighboring mansion on business and was asked to stay for lunch. Noting that his well-to-do companions began to eat as son as they sat down, the old bowed his head and quietly said grace to himself. When he looked up, his host was smiling indulgently. 

“Do many of the people around here still follow such an old-fashioned custom?” remarked the rich man in a teasing way. 

“Isn't there anyone nearby sufficiently enlightened not to parade their prayers on table?”

The farmer thought a moment and then said, “Well, I reckon there are some over at my place who never prays over their food.”

“College graduates, no doubt?”

“No, sir,” said the farmer, “my pigs.”

~ Episcopal Church Bulletin