Everyone the Same makes for a Boring World

It's already September and this has been a rough week. We are all exhausted getting ready for field day which is on Sunday (and field day is a REALLY big deal in Japan, not just here at Meysen, but in all public elementary schools). You see, competition is a big deal in Japan. And not only competition, but COMPARISON. This has been the first time that is has really gotten to me about the uniformity in Japan. Maybe I finally came face to face with the fact that in Japan, everything and everyone must be the same.

On field day practice yesterday, (which let's just say wasn't the smoothest...and had some rough moments) it occurred to me that the children were to some extent, being treated like robots, because they were expected to all be the exact same. Their personalities are different; some are shy all the time or only come out of their shell in small groups. Some are really silly, and others just want everyone to be friends. And of course their is the class clown or two, and then one who just doesn't listen, and of course a space cadet or two always in their own world.  Not every child is going to get excited when they win a race or a relay. Some children are not athletic. Some are artistic, some are obsessed with smells or sounds, and others just love to play for the sake of playing.

By now you are probably wondering, what on earth is she getting at? I finally got to the point of frustration with Japanese culture I think for the first time since living here. Every child is not the same- diversity should be celebrated, but here it is discouraged. Children as little as four years old are being compared to one another, instead of being celebrated for being individuals with talents and gifts to one day contribute to the world because they are DIFFERENT. That's the beauty in life- that God created us each for His glory to use the talents He gave us to spread His love in Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 4:10 says we should each use what gifts God has given us to serve others.

Perhaps one day I will be a mother. My eyes have been opened to the dangers of comparison. I should never want to be someone else, or want my child to be someone else. I just want to be the best Becky I can be for God's glory. And I will continue to try to teach my little group of four year olds to be themselves because God loves them and did not make any mistakes when He made them.

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