TODAY THE WORD is CHOPSTICKS. I am referring to wooden chopsticks and not the piano piece named casually chopsticks. I don’t know how many readers have used chopsticks but the very first time I attempted them was definitely an adventure. This was years ago, and on a business trip, a nice Chinese restaurant was the place of choice by everyone. Being from a small town whose big attraction was The I Like It Restaurant, I showed my adventurous spirit by going along with the crowd. When others asked for chopsticks, well of course I had to have my pair. I have seen the ones that are “trainers” later in my life; no trainers were given and the adventure began. I learned a long time ago, if you are not sure of the proper way to do anything, slow down, hesitate, and watch and learn from others. For all of you that have used chopsticks and have mastered the art of using them instead of the fork; I applaud you and I say too, “I can use chopsticks and eat a meal with ease.” I don’t say it with bragging rights. I say it because it was a challenge and I overcame the uncomfortableness of holding it correctly. I have taught many people how to use the chopsticks and even those who use the trainers first usually master it to a certain degree. I think back and I vividly remember traveling and stopped at a nice looking Chinese restaurant. I ordered lunch and I proudly used my chopsticks. While I was eating, I looked over to a table where this elderly Chinese lady was sitting and I watched her eating rice impressively with her chopsticks and she was not doing the “shoveling technique” and I was intrigued with her method and realized I was no master at all. She looked up and smiled a little smile at me and for some reason and for a brief second she seemed to approve of my attempts to use chopsticks and to blend into her culture. I still ask for chopsticks when we go to eat Chinese cuisine and that little lady seems to send me a smile across the universe. Now for the deeper thought…….In this life, we can choose an easy, familiar life and stay in a close environment. There are plenty of people who have never traveled outside their comfort zone. I also think some people (and I know that I was formerly guilty of this) live for adventure, excitement, and to go past the limits of the city. That being said, to become comfortable in our faith, it is helpful if we combine these two scenarios. First, we need to choose a familiar faith, one we can live in it, thrive within the changes we have to make. Secondly, we have to be willing to “try the chopsticks” to give our testimony to others, step up to be charitable and giving by volunteering, speaking, writing, and sharing the greatest love there ever was by the sacrifices of Our Lord. Familiar is good; going for the unfamiliar modes of living our faith is a little disconcerting and we have to be willing to pick up the vessels of our faith like picking up the chopsticks and using them. Try the chopsticks of life next time and see if there is a little lady sitting at a table and smiling at your efforts to live a great life of faith.
DAILY FEATURED BIBLE VERSE:
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
(c) copyright 2012 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission.
