cultures – Jerry Lout ⚬ Writer ⚬ Speaker ⚬ Mobilizer

He has made everything beautiful in his time.*

From the start, the matchup seemed pre-ordained. Clint and Jackie had hardly met the Zhirs before hearts became knitted together.

Punctuated by periodic dinners together, friendship outings and game nights, the two households grew close. Conversations could cover any range of topics. With, however, one exception.

As devoted Jesus-followers, Clint and Jackie carried their faith walk into all spheres of life. Bringing the topic of spirituality and, particularly references to Jesus, however, gained little ground with their special Far East friends. From the early days of the relationship, the Zhirs politely signaled they had no interest in discussing religion or faith. The American hosts took note, faithfully honoring the couples’ space.

When Mrs. Zhir conceived and began her maiden journey toward motherhood, Jackie (mother of three) expressed delight. She made herself appropriately accessible – fielding anxious questions, conveying practicalities, offering encouragement. The two women – of their diverse histories, cultures and beliefs – grew ever closer in friendship as the months went by. And when baby came, the families celebrated together.

After university, Mr. Zhir found employment and the family moved to their new location. A few years passed.

At a coincidental meeting with our volunteer friends Clint and Jackie (they seemed especially cheery), we learned fresh news about the Zhirs.

“Hey, we heard from them recently!”, Clint began.

Jackie chimed in, “In our visit, they reflected on our warm friendship from years back. They also referenced their appreciation over our having given them space regarding the matter of ‘discussing religion’.”

Clint went on, “Through some newer friendships in their present city, the Zhirs began being stirred to explore Christ and the faith. Great news. Both are now believers!”

Jim’s leaving caught me off guard.

Once I got an introductory taste (it seemed that someone had dropped a savory appetizer on my plate) of the school’s environment with its diverse cultures, I returned for more of the same day after day.

Still, these were not familiar waters. I felt unsure of myself much of the time and was clearly nowhere ready to plunge into the deep end. Although his own history in campus ministry was just barely out ahead of my own, my good campus sidekick Jim T served as a buffer of sorts. He always took the lead. My place was to follow, which certainly worked for me.

Still, for anyone launching into a vocation for which serving people is central, it is important to give time to reflect on whether a particular shoe fits well. “How am I best suited to serve? Is my disposition and are my skillsets compatible for serving this particular kind of community?” To his credit Jim had paused and pondered.

He realized that his sweet spot would best be realized in places where high school classrooms and chalk dust mesh together with eager young minds in lively pursuit of understanding. Jim was a teacher at heart. When a position opened in a local Christian Classical high school, Jim captured an interview and soon a new job. Crossing a fresh threshold of his own.

Tag: cultures

In Good Time

Classical Crossroad