This morning as I sit eating my noodle soup (saimen) for breakfast, there is a movie playing in my head, memory of my petite grandma sitting across the table from me slurping her noodle soup. For Japanese, it is impolite NOT to slurp your noodles. I remember my auntie and mom confirming that fact when I was a young teen experiencing this for the first time. It went against all I was trained to do, yes, even being raised by Japanese parents, for, after all, we are and were raised as Americans. Americans do not slurp noodles.
This wonderful memory (my grandma long gone) speaks abundantly into life and living. First, what is acceptable to one may not be to another. We are raised and formed in a 'culture'. Not only the national culture but culture of our childhood home(s), families, and experiences. Second and more importantly, our life experiences take us to the homes of many others whose family culture differ from ours and it is good to gracefully enjoy it.
I remember having chorizo and eggs after I spent the night with John, a neighborhood friend who was hispanic. It was a treat and experience I remember today every time I see it on the menu or make it for myself at home. I also remember another friend's mom (Mrs. Runk) made us pancakes in any animal form we requested, bunny, dog, gorilla, lion. Notice the breakfast theme here?
Our lives are greatly enriched when we learn to embrace and appreciate the culture of others. Some may be invited into our personal culture, we becoming a more eclectic us, others remaining as part of sweet memories. Marriage seems to be 'on my mind' a lot these days and as I ponder mine, I realize that as I embraced Carrie as my wife, two very different 'cultures' came together. As our son, Bryce married his sweet Melissa, another family and culture was added to ours as well, and we cherish the addition. Traditions and family cultures merge and sometimes collide. Vying for family time together complicate matters, especially during the holidays.
Each time I begin writing, I often do not know where it will end, this time being no different. But it fits the season. Grace and sacrifice are needed in the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas. And, as I consider this, isn't that what the season is all about? We fuss, we plan, we rearrange schedules, we shop, we look for that perfect gift, we party, we give and give until we can't give anymore, and for many, the season ends in near train wreck.
My grandma, John's mom, and Mrs. Runk were just being themselves. I rise with thanksgiving that I was raised by my parents to appreciate who they were and what they did. This holiday season I would like to be remembered as one who took notice of all the little things others do, rather than the big. The perfect gift we give others is the gift of ourselves. We can't commercialize it, package it and sell it for others to purchase. We become the perfect gift. When we engage our Lord in our day, He helps us be a perfect gift of His grace into the lives of others.
Yesterday, while driving to pick up some crushed rock to install at the preschool, a woman and her daughter were off to the side of the road, their car having a flat rear tire. As I drove by, I noticed her confused look as she gazed into her open trunk. God told me to stop, turn around and help her. She had called roadside assistance and it would be another 45 minutes before they arrived. Her husband moved to Arizona to take a new job and she remained to finish the school year with her daughter. I changed her tire, spoke words of blessing to her and sent her down the road.
I desire no 'at-a-boys for this as I was just doing what God asked of me. It blessed her and I. In this season, it is my prayer that I continue being and sharing my culture of care into the life of anyone God leads. The ways of Jesus are becoming my culture. I'll say it again and complete it, we become the perfect gift as we live like The Perfect Gift to mankind, Jesus Christ, should you profess to be one of His followers. May it be so for many of us, this season. You are His perfect package, His perfect gift to those He causes you to encounter. May His grace and perfect love pour richly from your souls to theirs.
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