Eric's Beijing Diary

My wallet was stolen yesterday. At least I think it was stolen. That's the only thing I can figure. I noticed it missing when I got off the bus. The city bus, that is. I had gone down to Zhouzhuang, the old water city, for the day, and had just come back to Suzhou. I got on another city bus and when I was ready to get off, I noticed that my wallet was missing. Very strange. I think it was a pickpocket. I had some money and my bank books in my luggage at the Youth Hostel, so I should be alright, but it is a matter of getting my ATM cards replaced. In the end it will probably be more of a nuisance than anything, but I did have some money in my wallet, and anyway, I just don't like being robbed.

You know, it is very interesting how you notice things differently at a time like this. Last night I opened my Bible and for some reason, found the text in Habakkuk that says,

"Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vine; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights. To the leader: with stringed instruments." (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

The last line is particularly striking. I have read it many times, but I never really paid attention to it until I read it this morning in the NRSV (Official Bible of the TSPM). This song is ordered to be played on stringed instruments. It's a symphony. An orchestration. A superlative declaration of faith in a loving God.

This morning, I was going through my normal Bible reading regimen, and found this verse in Psalm 52:

"The righteous will see, and fear, and will laugh at the evil doer, saying, 'See the one who would not take refuge in God, but trusted in abundant riches, and sought refuge in wealth.!'"

Am I like this? Or was I becoming like this? I am not wealthy, but that is a matter of perspective, I suppose. But the question for me to ponder, really, is what do I really trust in? Where is my security? It is good to ponder such things at a time like this.

"But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in steadfast love of God forever and ever, because of what you have done."

Or try this one:

"When God restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad."

Things like this that remind us who is our real strength and security are really blessings in disguise. God will work everything out. You'll see.