Monday, July 22, 2013

The Best Part of the Mango... Is The Pit?

Several years ago we had a baby shower for our dear friend.  There was lots of food and delicious cake.  Add on a couple of games too.  After a while we sat down and all the ladies were asked to share something about their mom.  I don't remember the exact question, but perhaps something special that she did or that you appreciate about your mom.  People might not realize, but this is actually a difficult question for me.  Most Asian parents kind of love you from afar.  They don't hug or kiss.  They don't offer much praise (wouldn't want you to get a big head).  They provide for you and you're somehow suppose to know that they care and love you.  When I graduated college, it was my aunt who told me my parents were proud of me.  I had not even considered the idea.  So as I pondered the question, I didn't know what to say.  My mom was an immigrant.  She worked 6 days a week, 12 hr days, so I rarely saw her when I was growing up.  But I know I love my mom.  So what do I appreciate?  Here comes the mango story.

Do you know how to cut up a mango?  There is an oval pit and the flesh is on both sides of the pit.  My mom would slice lengthwise across the mango and give the flesh side to me and my sister.  One side for the each of us.  Mom would save the pit for herself.  One day I asked her why she didn't eat the flesh and she said the pit was the best part.  I don't know about you, but I've had the pit.  It may be sweet, but there isn't much to eat there and it is often stringy.  But once I had children of my own, I finally understood.  Just like my mom, I give my children the flesh halves and save the pit for myself.  Why?  Because I want to give them the best part.  My mom didn't have a lot of time to spend with us, but whatever she did, she gave her best to her children.  She gave the best years of her life to support her family.  She worked hard to provide us with meals, a home, and clothing.  And she gave us the best part of the mango because she loved us.  Through her sacrifices I see her love for us.  This is what I will cherish.  

One of the things I struggle to teach my 5 year old is that God is real even when we don't see Him.  My son has to go by my faith and trust that I am telling him the truth.  But we tell him what we believe with our heart, that God sent his Son, Jesus, as our atoning sacrifice.  That God's sacrificial love for us is the source of our love and gratitude for Him.  Behind the mask, I know my mom loves me.  She doesn't always say it with words, but I can tell by her actions.  I know it's hard to believe in a God who seems invisible, but I know He loves me by what he has done.  Because of his daily provisions in my life.  Because of the powerful way He works in the lives of others.  Because of his son, Jesus.

I'll end with a song of worship.  I sang this as an offertory a couple weeks ago.  What a great way to remember the enormity of the grace that we've been given.  It's like an avalanche.

Like An Avalanche - Hillsong United
Click on the link above to hear it on Youtube

Beautiful God
Laying Your majesty aside
You reached out in love to show me life
Lifted from darkness into light
Oh

King for a slave
Trading Your righteousness for shame
Despite all my pride and foolish ways
Caught in Your infinite embrace
Oh

And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compares to this love love love
Burning in my heart

Saviour and Friend
Breathing Your life into my heart
Your word is the lamp unto my path
Forever I'm humbled by Your love
Oh

And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compares to this love love love
Burning in my heart

Take my life
Take all that I am
With all that I am I will love You
Take my heart
Take all that I have
Jesus how I adore You

And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compare to this love love love

2 comments:

  1. Love it Melissa - it inspires me to encourage my 5 year old in his faith as well!

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    1. Thanks, Alison. It's so hard at this age. They are exposed to so much when they go to school. So many kids are not believers in our area. We have pray for God's help and be diligent.

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