When I first arrived in Japan, I was completely fascinated and totally intimidated by the infamous “bento.” The cute character faces on rice balls surrounded by delicious looking star-shaped vegetables are amazing to behold as you take the lid off the lunchbox. I wanted for us to fit in and to show care to my own children through the art of lunchbox perfection. As a mom of two little children, I was entering a new realm of lunchtime expectations.
Across Japan, the essence of hospitality is found within the small details. Every box displays the thoughtfulness of parents to their children.
One morning, we decided to meet friends at the park for a picnic. During our lunch preparation, my ideas of perfection met with the reality of life with toddlers. My four-year-old son wanted to make the rice balls. My two-year-old daughter wanted to cut the fruit. They both wanted to stuff every snack possible into their bags. Little helping hands can make the biggest of messes. Let’s just say, it was nothing like I’d imagined.
At the park, we played together but when it was time to eat I noticed our friends looked concerned. They had made lunch, but forgotten to bring it with them. Without missing a beat, my son said, “That’s fine! We can share mine.” Turning pink with embarrassment about what we would be offering to them, I heard the tender whisper of Jesus in that moment, “You are worried and distracted by many things, ‘Martha’.”
The most beautiful moments of that lunch were found, not found in impressive lunchboxes, but rather in generosity, kindness, and making room in our hearts (and our little park tent) for our friends. These friends are not yet believers, but little moments like this are opportunities for Christ’s love to be the thing that is most enjoyed and remembered.
I know that our carrot sticks, apple slices, and a good American PB&J sandwich may never measure up to Japan bento standards, but since that day we’ve had many conversations with our children about ways that we can best care for and love others.
What are the areas of life that you find yourself worrying unnecessarily over? When I am in that place, I am reminded to sit at the feet of Jesus, focus on his generosity and how he wants for me to use it to bless others.
By Leann, an OMF missionary
