Several months ago, I “rescued” a meat smoker from getting picked up with the garbage in the housing development where I live. Smoking meat was not a lifelong dream or even something I ever envisioned myself doing. But I recognized that the tool was there in front of me and I had the choice of letting it pass by or starting a new hobby. Even though I knew nothing about smoking meat (or practically cooking at all, for that matter), I decided to take a chance.
Since I “rescued” this cooking tool, I have researched and learned some of the basics. I also purchased the other necessary tools in order to make my endeavor into the world of smoking meat both worthwhile and successful. And, over the past few weeks I have used the meat smoker several times.
You may be wondering, “Why am I reading Kyle’s thoughts on smoking meat on a website devoted to faith and values?” Bear with me — it all comes together.
No matter how much I learn about smoking meat and no matter how much I practice, the simple truth is that someone else is going to know more about smoking meat. They may have some completely different wealth of knowledge than I have.
Should the fact that I will never know it all stop me from pursuing my own knowledge?
NO! Absolutely not!
As I continue to smoke meat, I will learn my own techniques and find (or even create) my own favorite recipes. There will be times when I end up with delicious meals and other times when I end up with big chunks of overcooked, expensive charcoal. But it is my own process.
Is faith not the same?
Our faith has to be our own. Each of us, no matter what tradition, has to experiment with various aspects to determine what works for us. And, let’s be honest, there will always be someone who “knows” more than we do. This is our own journey, and that’s where the joy lies. And on our journey we have the opportunity to learn from others and take the best of what they know.
Each of us has our own experiences and our own techniques. Just like everyone has different taste buds (and, as such, we cannot dictate what others should or should not like), our faith lives are going to look different from the outside.
No one can be an expert in another’s faith life. In actuality, no one can be an expert in his/her own faith life. Faith is a journey that takes a daily contribution and daily questioning. The underlying challenge is to both learn from others (and their faith lives) and to continually question one’s own faith and beliefs. The ultimate result is a genuine faith for self that encompasses the best of what others have to offer and the depths of one’s personal faith.
Bon appetit!
