Ones nostrils are graced with the smell of rotten fruit and spoiled milk. There is upon the ground a pile of trash a few days old, and amongst it resides a dog scavenging for food. The air is filled with a musky mixture of oils and dirt.
In international ministry you develop a heart of joy for all the new aromas that present themselves to your nostrils. I may not particularly want to take in a deep breathe on a hazy day, but the smells of China bring me joy. While the individual smells may not be pleasant they bring back pleasant memories, and with that are creating new memories.
God often uses the unpleasant moments to bring about positive action and life changing encounters. While the heap of trash beside my feet may disturb my senses the child in front of my eyes is giggling at the site of a strange American. His mother asks why we could come such a far way for a town such as this. In joy I tell her God’s story. The whole time I speak, lit by a speck of sunlight that has worked its way over the canopy of food vendors and apartment buildings are those innocent eyes.
A gentle breeze brings a refreshing sent of sweet bread from the vendor down the street, and some freshly cut watermelon from a nearby fruit stand. My smile quickly takes over my expressions, and the dark brown eyes close as laughter takes over.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” – Matthew 13:43
A pearl is made starting with bacteria, and then the pearl is built up around it as a protection for the clam. God invests in the dirty, the disturbing aromas, because he sees the beauty in the child’s eyes.
He sees beauty in the encounter.
