There is so much I could write about - so many things that are impressed upon my heart, but right now, there is one thing that stands out above them all. The three cities we visited had something in common. Not the people, the high-rise apartment buildings, or even the roadside markets. Although each city shared these commonalities, the one thing that won't leave me alone are door-side incense shrines. These aromatic shrines could be found outside almost every business and apartment building doorway. Their fragrance filled the air each day, as they were methodically lit every morning for "good luck."
At first I was just saddened at the fact that this is what people are placing their hope in. The fragrant smell started to become a little unpleasant as I thought about it. Their hope for each day rested in the burning of the incense? Then I found out, after visiting with some area students, many people aren't even burning the incense to a particular god; they are just burning it out of tradition and honor. It's a ritual, everyday habit. They do it because their parents did it, their grandparents did... They have no idea why they really do it, other than they must do it for good luck. They believe in it. It made my heart hurt.
I cannot get these shrines out of my mind; I sometimes feel as if the scent is chasing me! I can't imagine waking up, lighting my incense, and then believing that my "luck," my hope for the day, was dependent upon how long or good the incense burned. But then a convicting question arose from my heart (from the Holy Spirit, I'm sure) - Are these people more dedicated to ritualistically lighting the incense every morning for a god that doesn't exist, than I am to the One, True God who is alive and does exist? That thought makes my heart break.
I pray the incense shrines, along with the people of East Asia stay on my heart and mind...
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
