The world is a changing place. I suppose I'm officially "getting older" when I begin to use phrases like "I remember when it used be like such and such." Well, this is one of those moments.

Our society has become increasingly self-centered, focusing not on service but rather on the bottom line, a line that often points right to ourselves.

A classic example of this is the fast food industry. Have you ever noticed that you no longer receive ketchup with your drive through order of hamburger and fries? I remember when they used to give you a handful just in case you wanted some. Here's how the scene went:

FAST FOOD WORKER: Thank you for your order, mam. We've put ketchup in your bag. Would you like anything else to go with that?

CUSTOMER: Yes, I'll take some salt please.

Then we came to a time when the drive through worker politely offers ketchup.

FAST FOOD WORKER: Would you like salt of ketchup with your meal, mam?

CUSTOMER: Yes, thank you.

I understand the principle behind that move. Not everyone likes ketchup, and a corporation can save a lot of money over time by only providing the condiment to those who desire it. Then we come to the fast food age of today.

FAST FOOD WORKER: (Silence - a hand quickly thrusts the order from the window while the employee refuses to make eye contact. The window begins to close almost as fast as it was opened)

CUSTOMER: Wait! Can I have some ketchup please?

FAST FOOD WORKER: Yeah.

CUSTOMER: Umm... and some salt?

FAST FOOD WORKER: Uh huh. Sure.

Of course, this is the dramatized version, but you get the point. The same can be said for mustard, butter, jelly or any other thing you might want from the drive through. Some places will even charge you extra for them!

There is some reason behind this madness ( I think). My point with the fast food story is that service has often taken the back burner for profit. And I'm not saying it's the fast food worker's fault. Someone else is making those money pinching decisions. All those little ketchup packets add up over time. They save the company big bucks. In turn, the burden is placed on our own backs. It's each for his own. If you want ketchup, you've got to be aggressive to get it. You've got to work for what you want - nothing comes handed to you, right?

I know this is a silly analogy, but true. It's a prolific problem, especially in my generation. So many of my peers are takers and not givers. Often a gift is only given with the expectation of receiving something in return. If we give to a charity we expect a tax deduction and a name on our wall somewhere. And, that's if we give at all. We're consumers, focused on what we can get out of life.

Not all of us, of course. But for the most part. Look around. It's true.

So, what's the solution? Service. It's the essence of all things good. Selflessly helping others. It can be as small as a thing of smiling at someone who looks down.

The point - offer the ketchup. You'll be glad you did.