Musings on Cleaning

Every once in a while I go on a cleaning spree. I just get the overwhelming urge to do a thorough cleaning of everything. Today was one of those days. And I always feel so much better when I'm done. Everything looks so nice and orderly, and it smells of clean smells-- the pinesol kind, not the bleach kind.

I think perhaps I ought to try this with my life. I think every once in a while my heart deserves a thorough scrubbing; not just the daily surface clean, but a deep clean. I'm sure I would feel so much better afterward. And maybe my life would emanate a sweeter smell to my Jesus.

I miss my African family

Home sweet hut

Pierre at work

Hawaa, proud of the family millet field

Innocent at clinicals

Bruno at home on the well

Berthe and me

Ruth (has one of the most beautiful smiles) and sweet Esther

Twister with the girls

Esther and ever confident Anne (one of my favorite pictures)

Little Dorcas

And spoiled baby Bezalel

Another beautiful African sunset

Sugar and Spice and Cranky Bears

Christen shared this quote found on the box of the Throat Soothers tea that she so kindly offered me:

"A sore, scratchy throat can turn the most even-tempered soul into cranky bear."

Just in case there is any merit in this statement, I'm off to bed after my cup of tea in the hopes of taming this possibly cranky bear back into a sweet-tempered girl.

[Un]pleasantries

After posting this, I realized that it could use a bit of explanation. I debated on whether or not to expound and decided perhaps I ought. This is not directed at any particular person. It is expressing a general dislike for the deterioration of friendships.

"How are you?"

You make the polite inquiry.

I reply in like fashion, and

The empty conversation flows

For about five minutes.

We once talked for hours.

But times have changed--

We sprang forward

Only to fall back again.

Now you're wrapping things up;

Soon you'll walk away,

And I'm sorry to say,

I'm not pleased to make your acquaintance.

"Every act of life is a revelation of character" ~PK, p. 218