The ragged pieces of ideas and thoughts of my attempt to live a life as a contemporary monastic in the urban city of Singapore..
There were so many gifts going around the past 2 weeks. I received a reading light, a book about oil painting, shopping vouchers, a nice shirt, a pair of shoes and lots of glorious chocolates. I blew 3 birthday cakes including one which was
a handmade ice-cream cake. In returned I try to gave my share of gifts, made 2 cheesecakes and expressed my gratitude to those who sends their greetings. I remembered the year when nobody remembered my birthday, that I immediately made being connected with friends the top of my resolution list that year. It was easy.
Well, it's the 3rd day of this new year and I haven't done my resolution yet. Actually I am glad that I haven't, at least not before watching "Gandhi" the VCD I made Mag buy for me for my birthday last night. Well it was something I always wanted and when I saw it at Giant for only $5 I just needed another small reason to get it. Well Mag obliged to buy me this 'second' gift and it was a meaningful time watching it til the wee hours this morning. I like biographical movies. I could never truly appreciate fictional ones. To me the problem with fictional movies is, they are fictional!
I have been a secret admirer of Gandhi. Though he was not a Christian, he lived like one. He had admiration of Jesus that would moved many of us. He was honest, truthful and faithful to what he believed was the truth. And he wasn't just making change, HE WAS THE CHANGE. His life is great to impact how I make my resolution this year. Maybe I should not do the jog more, eat less, be happy type of resolution because those kept getting recycled every year. Anyway those are good things everybody assume to have anyway so I shouldn't be distracted by them. I need more thoughful and truthful resolutions. Something truly needed.
I go into the new year troubled, because a good brother opened up to me about something which moved me. I may not know what to do about it, but it sure impacted me. Sometimes I feel that God reveals something as his divine work in my own life than for me to work in others'. Gandhi's life showed me that in order to do something great, I don't need to do anything great at all. Most of the people who do, mess up.. greatly. While God can make use of the mess, it is better that we do only what is faithfully ours to do. Prayer is always ours to do. I think this year, I will continue to invest in prayer in all that I know and all that I am to do. The world already has a Savior so it sure doesn't need a poser like me. I thank God for the many things I prayed for God to do last year. 5 out of 10 in 2005 has been fulfilled.
On top of prayer, I will focus on 3 or 4 more thoughful/truthful resolutions which I'll dwell on in the next few days of my time with Him. I will not rush as I sure hope that this year will be another great year in His majestic and glorious Kingdom which I live as a sinner. One who is broken, forgiven and loved. One who truly appreciates the chance of another year!
And I really like my 'Gandhi' gift!
posted by Hiew Hong Teck # 1:20 PM
Tuesday, January 03, 2006