Out from the fog...

There is a famous Chinese quote, "Bú dà Chángchéng fĕi hăo hàn,": You are not a real man until you have climbed the Great Wall. What an awesome analogy and reality (if you've ever attempted to climb the great wall, it is a great feat and an immense wonder.) Amen?!
These past several weeks have not only been a steady trek but also somewhat of a fog. Fog requires a step of faith because it's mostly difficult to see even five yards ahead of you, let alone the next day. It's exciting and frightening all in one breath. I've been tempted to close my eyes and coast but then I risk missing discovery as the fog lifts. I've quite enjoyed this unpredictable journey, mainly because the surprises I've encountered have been a fantastic discovery...a great learning experience both culturally and spiritually...a unique season to say the least and one that I'm quite sure I will not soon forget.

Recap: Sarah and I were privileged with the chance to go to a very northern province of China through Christmas and we can both say with certainty that the experience was both hysterical and truly impacting. Our wonderful Chinese host family taught us a thing or 20 about hospitality and all I can say is I have a long way to go apart from simply opening my door to friends and family and giving my per usual "come on in" greeting.
Water? tea? milk? Abundant provision, tours, sights: them- "no no, you must eat delicacy...special for you" us- "but we want you to have this cow tongue and beef intestine...please, you have the sheep liver and live crustaceans, you're too much!" Skiing, Beijing, media, North Korea, Mao, delicacies, karaoke, Great Wall, cheers with white rice "special drink"...China, we shall not forget you. Thanks for all the hot water, dumplings and mystery. Sheh Sheh.

Rolling through January and February on staff with BAM (business as mission) has been quite the learning experience. I am surrounded by world-class mentors, teachers, and participants from all over the globe representing 14 different nations. Fantastic! Some have existing businesses, some are planning, and some, like me are trying to figure out what God wants them to do about a business (or not) in the future.

We are learning that God is the originator of business, that His principals applied to a business will make it operate at it's best. A godly business is one of the highest expressions of God at work in our lives. He is the Giver of skills and creativity...initiative, sacrifice, and innovation. "Profit isn't sin, not paying your employees a living wage is sin, not delivering the quality promised is sin, not delivering product or services
when promised is sin, but having, running, and owning a business is not a sin but rather an opportunity to serve your community." Our skills and abilities are given by God and all of who and what we are can be used to bless others through the means that come from our Creator to begin with. Controversial? yes. Worth dissecting and exploring? absolutely.
Food for thought, ay? (says my new Canadian friend)