Nouvelle Cusine

Every generation believes they are covering virgin territory.  It is as if history is forgotten, language abandoned, and traditions ignored; or perhaps they just are not relevant.  Given I can still remember my intent, I doubt that there anything sinister or malicious in this process.  The process is simply one of discovering a path that is one’s own.
 
The process of discovery does have an interesting outcome.  Different ways of expressing one’s self, of sustaining nurture, and of living emerge.  To those of us that are graying the “results” are often challenging, occasionally threatening, and at times truly frightening!  We fit our motives, values, and perspectives around and onto the action of others and we find ourselves questioning the trust that many have rightfully earned.  It is as if everything old is safe and new dangerous.
 
As I watch Carli and Whitney choose their paths I am struck by the fallacy of relying on the yesterday’s safeguards.  I doubt they were ever as strong as I thought they were and I know that in today’s battles yesterday’s wall is never strong enough!  The reality is that Carli and Whitney’s ancestors “ate the mana bread in the desert and died”, (John 6.49) at least metaphorically.  They, myself included, have tried to live on their strength, disciplines, and works without success.  The new cuisine that people have the opportunity to discover is actually the oldest; compassion, grace, and mercy for one and all.
 
Each generation has the wonderful chance to discover their way of expressing God’s gift.  The expressions I see emerging today are reflective of passionate engaged lives intertwined with God.  I value, beyond words, these gifts.  I find that they complement yesterday’s best.  Nothing need be tossed except the trivial and the fluff that lived without compassion.  The best of each generation can build on the future to set something awesome, inspiring, and truly nouvelle!
 
I wonder what kind of meal I will prepare today.  Will I let God set the menu?  Can I be open to the possibilities?  Will I?  We have the choice.