Conclusion of CLEANLINESS - WHY SO IMPORTANT?

True, Cleanliness is a challenge in a poor neighbor.  One who is acquainted with such localities explained: "The oppressively hot climate makes the work of cleaning doubly hard. Dust storms cover every crevice of a house with fine powder. . . .Burgeoning populations in cities, as well as in some rural areas, also create health hazards.  Open  sewers, piles of uncollected garbage, filthy communal toilets, disease-carrying rats, cockroaches, and flies have become common sights."

Maintaining cleanliness under these conditions is difficult.  Still, it is worth the effort.  Soap and water and a little extra work are cheaper than medicine and hospital bills.  If you live in such an environment, as far as possible, keep your own house and yard clean and free of animal droppings.  If the path to your home tends to get muddy during rainy periods, could you put down gravel or stones to help keep mud out of the house?  If shoes or sandals are uses, can these be removed before the wearer enters the home? Also, you must keep your water supply free from contamination.  It is estimated that at least two million deaths a year are due to diseases associated with dirty water and poor sanitation.

A clean home depends on everyone-mother, father, children, and visitors.  One mother of eight children in Kenya said:  "All have learned to do their part." A clean tidy home reflects well on the whole family.  A Spanish proverb states:  "There is no conflict between poverty and cleanliness."  Whether one lives in a mansion, an apartment, a humble home, or a shack, cleanliness is a key to a healthier family. 

Next time: ENCOURAGEMENT MAKES US FLOURISH

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996