The question I’ve been asked many times since I’ve been back from Japan has been “so how was the trip?” And my standard answer has been “overwhelming.” That pretty much sums it up, though of course I provide details. I also hear people ask: “What’s going on there? There’s nothing on the news.”
Well, here’s what I saw, just a couple of weeks ago…
1,200 people still evacuated, living in a convention center near Fukushima…
…places that are still being cleaned up (recovery is still sometime in the future, at best)…
…places that may never, ever be the same again…
…sad reminders of who was lost, and what was lost…
…and reminders that there are people who are still in need of assistance.
Yet I’m also reminded of kiboo (hope)…
…meeting people who continue to bring a Gospel of healing…
…young adults serving alongside slightly less young adults…
…people from all walks of life reaching out to give the message “you are not alone…fear not!”…
…and reminders that I have the privilege of working with people who can and will bring the love of Jesus to Japan.
I learned something during a quiet moment I had in Japan. Cynicism is something that can be a lot of fun, but the roots of cynicism are generally born of frustration, anger, and / or hopelessness. Cynicism can also be derived from a critical spirit. Cynicism has the power to disrupt and even destroy.
One exercise I do with student groups is to give them a pack of cards and give them ten (10) minutes to build anything they want. Some of the efforts are pretty spectacular. I then ask one group if they’re willing to destroy their effort. It takes all of 10 seconds at most to completely trash the structure. Then I ask the students, what takes more time? To build something, or to destroy it? It’s far easier to destroy someone’s work, or destroy someone. For that matter, it’s surprisingly easy to destroy ourselves. It’s easier to criticize than it is to affirm (or to be overly self-critical than experiencing grace). It’s not easy to fulfill the Scriptural mandate to be “slow to anger,” and it’s said that anger is often borne out of frustration. It’s far easier to be cynical than to be hopeful.
So what’s my point? The gambatte (do your best, never give up) spirit has sustained many in Japan during this horrific time. Yet even during my brief visit, cynicism — or at least the attitude of shoganai (it can’t be helped) — was creeping into the mindset of some that we met. The kiboo that CRASH and other relief efforts are bringing can be eclipsed by a cynical heart that says there’s too much to do, that it’s pretty hopeless to try to help.
What I realized is if I’m going to continue to participate in the rebuilding of the kokoro (hearts) of the Japanese, I’m going to have to continue to confront the cynicism in my own heart and re-realize my hope, our hope, is in God. I’ve the thought that I’m not the only one who’s had to confront this. The Wonderful Counselor done a lot for me over the years, yet I’ve much to still learn. Hope is exactly what we can bring for the long journey ahead.
Does this make sense? Stay tuned for a few more thoughts…I’m still some more things to sort out and share.
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See you next time!
