culture defined

As a communications major, I studied culture a lot.  I think this broad definition is best- the attitudes and behaviors that are characteristic of a particular organization or group (princeton.edu).  Culture is more than just an ethnic group (Mayan culture) or national group (American culture).  Cultural units come in all shapes and sizes, for example church culture.  Every church has its own culture based on the way people interact.  For example, my first church was very huggy and there was much age integration.  We didn't try to be this way, it just happened.  I have yet to meet a church that hugs as much as they do and where the old and young feel so comfortable together.  

Families also have their own culture; their own way of doing things from laundry to where to keep your shoes.  That's the neat thing about marriage, you leave the culture you know and you take your preconceived notions of the way things are to be 'done' and you mash them together with someone else's notions.  It makes for lots of fun... and fights.  (Toilet paper goes OVER not under, crazy husband). 

Throwing Selah into the mix is gonna make things very interesting.  Louis and I come from very different cultures and this is new stomping grounds.  He was raised in a charismatic Christian family, and I was raised in an Asian Buddhist family.  As a child, he got away with a lot of things that wouldn't fly in my household.  Fortunately, we have a standard that supersedes both of our cultures and we will do everything in our power to care for our responsibility according to such standard.  Scripture, the end all and be all.  We will definitely differ on how to get there, but that's okay.  Different means to the same end. 

Right now, I'm thinking about how our family dynamic will change.  Change is a little scary.  We won't be able to drop things as easily and pick up and go.  Everything has to be a little more calculated, a little more organized.  Alone time with my bff will be farther in between and date night will be shelved for a little while.  Change is good.  There is much joy to come.  Much love to give and to receive.  All to the glory of the Father.