Eclectic

Eclectic. “Composed of elements drawn from various sources. Synonyms: Assorted. Mixed. Ragtag. Varied.” (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

The term entered my vocabulary during Interior Design undergrad studies. And became the predominant style in our various homes over the years. 

Local culture and prominent traditional hues. Availability in textiles and furniture. Differing patterns and color combinations. All these things dictated our interior decor. And changed my own perception of beauty and order.

The girl who couldn’t imagine deep reds in her color scheme, now embraces them.

Eclectic

Today our house interior clearly illustrates eclectic. 

Rich colors in the carpet from Pakistan.  Along with a simple brown on white batik table runner. Traditional Indonesian.

My aunt’s American coffee table—classic lines, solid wood—contrasting with a rough-hewn chest made from the planks of old fishing boats in Malaysia.  

An oil painting from my Indonesia childhood depicting a tukang selling bakwan* in the lane beneath an abundant bougainvillea—familiar, nostalgic. And the more recent oil by my dear friend Janice: a single camellia reminding me of my Alabama roots and our friendship. 

Assorted. Yet integrated. 

Parts of the whole that make this place home.

Integrated

People from all across the world become part of the whole.  

Old and young. Men, women, and children. Rich and poor. Oral cultures and academics.

With differing colors, cultures, and languages. From tropical settings to winter climates—and everything in between. 

This is the Body of Christ. 

Eclectic. Yet integrated. Beauty divinely orchestrated as the variously-gifted serve. Stewarding God’s grace in its multifaceted forms. 

All the parts continue growing into Him who is the Head, that is Jesus Christ. “From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.” (Ephesians 4:16)

Home

There’s nothing quite like the joy of being in this worldwide family. Not even speaking the same language, yet knowing our deep and unalterable position as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Someday we will gather. From every nation, tribe, people and language.

Eclectic. Yet one.

And we will worship. Together. Before the Throne.

In our eternal Home.

What about you?

How is eclectic illustrated in your life? Have you experienced worship across cultures and languages? How has that impacted you?

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Ephesians 4:1-16 – 1 Peter 4:10-11 – 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 – Revelation 7:9-10 –

*A tukang bakwan (bakwan vendor) walked the streets of our Surabaya neighborhood, selling his hot soup and meatballs with fried shallots sprinkled on top. My best friend and I used to listen for his cry when I was playing at her house. We’d run outside with our bowls and buy some for an afternoon treat.