An Old Chinese Man

Circa 2010 San Jose, CA

Westfield Valley Fair Mall

Sitting in the mall food court, regretting my meal choice and feeling sorry for myself. I was feeling entitled. I was wronged, poor me; I was suffering an injustice with this sub-standard meal. About 15 feet away was a slender, modest, and well-groomed Chinese man who looked like he was in his 80s. His posture was perfect and his movements were smooth and swift. I couldn’t stop staring at the guy and I remember thinking he was moving like a young man in an old man’s body (which reminded me of my Grandpa Bud). Often times you see people in their 80s who are not moving too fast but this man seemed to have somewhere to be. From 15 feet away his food plate appeared to be spotless, no visible remains of the chicken, broccoli, or rice. Then, he poured a tiny amount of water on his paper plate, followed by a couple of finger pokes to break the sticky rice free. He picked up his plate, swirled the water around to get the rice moving, and then carefully bent the plate to drink it.

I don’t recall ever seeing someone so careful and intentional about not wasting food, even a single grain of rice.

His example did not inspire me to finish my food that day; what I ordered was just gross, not that healthy either. He did, however, inspire me to be more intentional about the food I eat and the type of man I become: The type of man who is careful, moves with intention, eats healthy… and NOT the type of man who orders unhealthy mall food, wastes half of it, and then people watches for an indefinite amount of time.

I wish I knew more about this man’s life. He seemed to have a soldier’s discipline and displayed the virtues of prudence, modesty, thrift, and cleanliness.

What examples have you seen lately that gave you pause?