With many cultures touching my life, I have come to appreciate the influence each has had on who I am. I see the touch of India, the brushstrokes of Japan, Singapore’s approach, and different parts of the US coming together to define my identity. On one hand, it is a fun mosaic. On the other, life continues to challenge me with the question of limits and how far anyone of these should reach into my life.
The lesson I find myself relearning is a simple one; my boundaries and life are very different. Far too often, I find myself using my boundaries to perpetuate the way of living which is comfortable and easy. Examples include the following.
Respect. In the pursuit of the urgent, I often skip the pleasantries and respectful courtesies which enhance the quality of life. Life, through a friend, likes to remind me that there is never an excuse for not saying “good morning”. It is a simple gesture. It can be shared as a blessing from one to another, expressing one’s hope and goodwill to all that follows. If one starts there, opportunities will appear to those willing to follow through on letting respect thread through every conversation and action.
Lifting. It may sound out of place but, is there a point at which one should not attempt to lift those around you. Life likes to remind me that I often stop lifting out of convenience. I have the energy, yet I lack the will. It is as if my ego gets in the way of my ability by choice to do the right thing. While I have not done anything wrong, I have failed to do what is right. One can lift more than one imagines. For me, this reminder is closely linked to hope and being in the moment.
Celebration. Usually there is a time and place to celebrate. I was reminded during a photoshoot that one can always celebrate, it just takes two. “Shout the high praises of God, brandish [our] their swords in the wild sword-dance.” (Psalm 149.6)
