Susan LaffertyBack in the day we studied our stress by listing losses. Marking life experiences.
All the cross-cultural moves. Illnesses. Births. Deaths. Evacuations.
Added up, the numbers were telling.
Stress levels confirmed.
Favorite flavors and dishes multiply in the cross-cultural life. Leading to this, that, or the other taste of home.
Our grocery cart is often a wild mix. With differing ingredients for the week’s menus.
One day, I buy okra and chickpeas for Indian curry. Snow peas, lemongrass and baby bok choy for a Chinese stir-fry dish. And Japanese mochi. An afternoon snack or dessert.
Each cuisine serves up memories as well.
Are you forgetful? I am.
Reading through old journals and letters never fails to delight. Surprise. And confound. Highlighting my forgetfulness about experiences and facts from our personal history.
“Don’t forget” and “remember” are two exhortations. Repeated in Scripture. For good reason.
“Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves so that you don’t forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don’t slip from your mind as long as you live.
Teach them to your children and your grandchildren.”
Deuteronomy 4:9 CSB
