My Spiritual Journey: A Mighty Wind

A mighty wind blows

Us down a thundering sea—

Yet God is with us.

About The Author

Randolph Lee Jones was born in Norfolk, Virginia on October 5, 1924. He was raised in Norfolk, but spent his childhood summers with his extended family (including many, many cousins) in Montreat, North Carolina.

Randy attended Virginia Military Institute prior to serving in the United States Army in World War II. Upon returning home, he attended Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. He married in 1948 and was ordained as a United Methodist minister after attending Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

Randy served as a missionary in Japan for a total of ten years. After a divorce, he completed his Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training and served as a hospital chaplain and CPE supervisor for many years, chiefly at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

Randy lives with his wonderful wife, Emily Jean Gilbert, and three orange cats, in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Itadakimasu

Perhaps I have discovered the answer I have been seeking all my life.

Itadakimasu.

When one begins a meal, it is good manners to say to the host/hostess, itadakimasu. Literally, I receive. Japanese expresses relationships in many ways, of which language may be most important. Moraimasu expresses the thought, I receive, without a relationship being explicit. Itadakimasu expresses the relationship: the speaker (I) am of lower status than the source of what is received. I remember someone telling me that this is the language which it is appropriate to use to the Emperor.

For some time now, during our devotions, I have been beginning my quiet time by thanking someone (God?) for the gift of another day of life. My doubts remain, but the sense of gratitude is real. Today I decided that Itadakimasu expressed this for me. I image myself on my knees on a tatami mat, my body bowed forward, arms extended, palms upward, receiving another day of life from God (maybe, probably), and saying itadakimasu.

The chance that I will live the day faithfully is strengthened by my itadakimasu at its beginning. What a world we could have if each of us began each day with itadakimasu!

My Spiritual Journey

A Mighty Wind

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