Reflections

Being back in Malaysia for about a week now, has jolted my senses to the reality of poverty, living and survival. Just simple walks around the city, (dont talk about the buzz contained only within the four-walls of air-conditioned megamalls for the affluent) it has opened my eyes to see how hard it is to earn a living.. and blind beggars selling tissues makes me think at night what better jobs can they have? But admist the grey outlooks of the country, i've also picked up small observations here and there that lightened my heart and made me smile. Like how cheap some things can be (You can buy 3curry puffs for 1Ringgit!), genuine hospitality and how in the simplest of things, families can be happy. But yea generally life can be tough for many and i am not in the right shoes to speak for the many foreign workers in our nation.

Lately, i've also come to see how 'hands' are so important to many ones to earn a living. From the hair-dresser who skillfully holds the scissors to cut hair, to the chef that cooks your food and the lady who sweeps to streets by holding a broom. How will they work without hands? As for dentistry, it will be 100% impossible, as it is totally hands-on. Nonetheless, in conclusion to the images that enter my eyes each day , "Godliness with contentment is great gain" We can be so rich, have no God, be uncontented and live+leave this world having nothing. or We can be poor/rich but have God, enjoy simple things, be so contented and live+leave this world having God which is everything.

Apart from that, in having Kingdom-mindsets and dreams (that needs to be tested,develop and prayed over with maturity and time), sometimes i need to be reminded of practicality, priorities and the present. And my simple practical goal for this holiday while im at home is to: Love my mum and show her respect, with patience. Sometimes we can be so on fire for the word of God and speak of God out there, but what is more important and real, starts from home. it boils down to how we treat others starting from our own family who know us best, in the light of truth that transforms.

there's only a few more days to the new year. and i've been praying hard too for God's direction next year..meanwhile im also very thankful for this year. The greatest highlight i think (besides many many good ones) is to see my friends accept Christ into their lives. Keili, Wei June, Veronica, Wen Huey, Bryan, Joseph, Tristen and Richard. I count that the best thing :) Tho it was a tough year in dental school and i am still left with uncertainty for the supp results which will only come out in Jan, this year has been worth it. I gave it my best and GOD has been too!. I still feel scared on what will happen with the results..but i put my trust in my God. it was a paper that was beyond my capacity and capability of a dental student.. that when i even told my dad about the questions..he said it was like FRCP level and even as a physician he would face difficulty answering them.. Not many understand, but yea i've really tried all i could(even for this whole year) and can now only let God do the rest. Tho i feel like Daniel's 3 friends in the fiery furnance under a pagan king, i pray that He will deliever me. It has been a long-suffering testing for me. but may i come out of it, having learnt the lessons He wants me to learn, seizing the opportunity to share my weakness and deepening frienships, giving thanks for all circumstances that enriches my faith and glorifying Him in all things.

I hope everyone had a good year too, seeing God's working in your life and be thankful:) I also hope that many will see greater things as we journey more closer with God next year :) May we not "have more of God in our lives", but actually this: MORE OF OUR LIVES IN GOD. its a shift in perspective.