Sweeten the Pot

I’ve always liked the inspiration of the American melting pot, an eclectic mix of nationalities and customs combining to create a new and stronger country because of its fusion of the best of multiple cultures. An editorial in today’s Dallas Morning News was written by a brand new American citizen, Murli Melwani. He writes of the conscious decision he made to live in another country besides the one to which his alignment was assigned by birth: “the desire to live in a place where one is allowed to give full play to one's gifts, talents, skills and abilities freely, while respecting similar rights of others; where one is not treated as a foreigner in a part of one's own country because one comes from another province or state…” As part of the ceremonies, a video was played of President Bush welcoming the newest citizens: "Our country has never been united by blood or birth or soil," he said. "We are bound by principles that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens." The editorial is concluded by an old anecdote from the community of Iran.

In the 8th century, a community from Iran, which later came to be known as the Parsis, fled the persecution by fanatical Muslim invaders of their faith. They arrived on the coast of India. Before these pilgrims set foot on the shore, their leader sent a glass of milk to the Indian ruler. The ruler returned the glass after adding more milk, topping the glass right up to the brim. His action sent the signal that the country couldn't accommodate any more people. The leader of the pilgrims, a sagacious man, added a spoon of sugar, without spilling a drop, and sent the glass back to the Indian ruler. The ruler understood the significance of the gesture: Sugar blends with milk and sweetens it without changing its composition or qualities. The ruler allowed them to settle in India.

Mr. Melwani can’t say whether the story is true or not, but that he understands the emotion and the sincerity, because he feels that he will be able to sweeten the American melting pot.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You hold all of the earth’s nations under your authority. We long to lessen our ties to kings and nations and increase our allegiance to your sovereignty. We are people choosing to live within your justice, your encouragement, and your welcoming grace. Let us add our talents and gifts to sweeten and enhance the portion of the world we are charged to administer and restore. Let us welcome the insights and diverse backgrounds that bring new understandings and new ideas to our congregation. We were established by many voices and varied opinions that made us stronger over our history. Let us continue to tell our stories, share our unique perspectives, and work to combine and unite them all into one house of worship, offering praise and adoration to our one, true Lord. Amen.