The Spirit Of Aloha Was Imparted To Me That Day
Years ago, I went to Hawaii to serve as a young priest at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu.
It was a big cultural change from my previous home in Oklahoma, where I most recently had been assistant pastor in a large-city parish. Busy parish life was the norm there, and evening meetings were frequent.
In Honolulu, though, evening meetings were not the norm (they would interfere with family life). People would tell me that I should expect things to happen on “Hawaiian time” - “Don’t be in such a rush!”
Even my diet changed. Less beef and red meat and much more fish and rice. Yum!
As I prepared to leave the islands after 3 years of ministry, I received a call from one of the older members of the church, asking me to visit her before I returned to the mainland.
She warmly greeted me to her simple home. We said prayers together and shared Communion. She told me that my ministry had been valuable to her.
We had enjoyed numerous times of good conversation over the months she had been confined as she recovered from a lengthy illness.
Then she indicated she had a gift she wished to give me and she presented a beautiful koa wood bowl. It was beautifully carved, and of a rich, dark brown with a handsome grain.
“It has been in our family for three generations,” she proudly told me.
I stumbled for words.
“I can’t accept this,” I found myself saying. I told her this was something that should stay in her family because it’s part of her treasured heritage.
“Oh, yes, you must accept it,” she replied. “It’s important for me to be able to give this to you.”
I felt deeply humbled and profoundly touched by what this gift represented. The bowl communicated, as no words could, how much more valuable than we typically imagine our bonds can be.
Her simple words took the focus off of me and helped me to see her deep desire to express the meaning of our relationship.
The word “aloha” became particularly alive. I shall never forget the gift of special meaning that I received that day.
That bowl will always have a prominent place in my home. It shall always remind me not just of that remarkable encounter but of that very special spirit of aloha that supersedes all times and occasions.
MEMO: Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a Your Turn column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write Your Turn, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615.