China can only be experienced, it can’t really be explained. There is an atmosphere to China that is overwhelming to some and comforting to others. Before coming to China, many people don’t know what to expect. What I find most intriguing is the level at which people live life. Why is it that the USA is in major debt to China and yet the way Chinese people live is much lower than the America I have seen? Business men will spit on the streets. Bathrooms are dirty, streets are filled with trash, and smoking is allowed anywhere. On the train, people bought standing tickets, which required them to stand in the isle for the entire trip. Do you think anyone in America would stand for 12 hours? Chinese people don’t know any different and therefore don’t see there conditions as unhealthy. I believe many Americans would complain about the accommodations and everyday occurrences that I’ve learned to embrace. Some people on our squad are not swept away by Chinese culture and they do notice every smell. I have stopped noticing.
As I look around China, I am amazed by the beauty. I love the trees that line streets. I love the buildings. Some have amazing architecture and others are filled with Chinese characters (letters). I love the beauty that I see in every stream and pond. Honestly it looks run down but I find it beautiful. I think this is how God views his people. We view our lives and focus on the cracks and holes and hardships. We focus on what’s wrong instead of what is beautiful. But God looks at us and sees all the beauty within us. He is blind to the cracks because he is consumed by His love for us! I challenge you to look around today and choose to see the beauty in everything. Construction sights, choose to see the new building or road. Traffic, choose to see the scenery and look past the cars. A messy home, choose to see the life lived. Embrace life and don’t focus on speeding it up or changing it.
I fly to Thailand tomorrow. I will be sad to leave China, a place that feels like home, but I am excited to be in a new place and a new ministry.
