Just a-Passin' Through!

If a "World's Dustiest City" list exists, Beijing is certainly on it.

 

I think that if I dusted our apartment from top to bottom, end to end, and then started back at the beginning again, I would have as much dust in my dustpan the second time as the first. Everyday I sweep the floors with my big dust mop and shake it out in a corner near the front door. Everyday I struggle with the gnarly pile of hairy dirt that relentlesly clings to the bristles of my broom as I attempt to sweep it into the dustpan.

 

(I intended to insert a photo here, but RA thought it too nasty to share.)

 

This morning I was encouraged by the following thoughts:

First, the Proverb that says, "Where no oxen are the manger is clean, but much revenue comes by the strength of the ox." While the city certainly contributes to our dust-load, most of the dust in our home comes from the people that live here and the activities that take place within our walls. If my husband and kids weren't at home, if we never hosted guests, then less dust would be floating around, but what benefit would there be in a clean but empty house? The dust reminds me to be thankful to the Lord who continues to fill our home with blessing.

Second, the fact that we produce this abundance of dust reminds me that we do not live in a perfect world, but one that is passing away. One day our King will come and will make all things new. This dusty place is only temporary, and keeping it clean is not the most important work I have to do.

So, while I will continue to sweep up the dust, I choose to be thankful for the people God has given and to live and work with my hope fixed on eternity instead of on things that are passing.

Our last English Class of 2012

 Rodney and Ian were invited to go skiing with a group from church on January 1st. As you can see from the photos, the resort they visited relies on man-made snow and is a great place for beginners. Skiing is relatively new in China, and the majority of the people from church had never tried it before.

 

With two kids from English class and some kind of transformer statue.

FREEZING, but a beautiful day!

They stopped to see a newly built church on the way home.

This little one loves RA!