Monday, August 15, 2011

An Open Book

This morning I received an anonymous note from someone who happened to chance upon my blog-site and commented on why am I sharing my life so publicly that others can read about it.

My answer to that question is this - my life is an open book. In fact my walk with God is not supposed to be private because I am no different from another person. We are like fellow pilgrims on the same journey. If we are all experiencing the same circumstances (be it pleasant or unpleasant) but at different times of our lives, then nothing is too private about it. What I am going through now, you may go through it some day and vice versa.

That said, why not then share our experiences and lessons with one another so that we can avoid the pitfalls of life? Of course one may choose not to subscribe fully to the lesson learnt from another but at least it gives us an idea as to how we can overcome that same circumstance. It may also serve as a warning to us if we are at certain crossroads of our lives where a major decision needs to be considered.

As a Christian, I blog about my adventures because I hope to testify of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness to others. When I fail at certain phases of my life, I share my struggles so that those reading my blogs and sharing the same faith as I am can pray for me. It does not stop there... I will continue to blog about the process and hopefully it will come to a point where I have successfully overcome that trial and in that, God's name will be praised.

I have no qualms in sharing this - it is also my desire that others may find God in their lives simply through reading my testimonies and hopefully through Him, they too will find hope in whatever they may be going through.

I had one feedback given to me a few years ago when I started blogging. It was a concern by that person and I appreciate his kind gesture. He said, "Andy, you are a prominent leader of the church, you should be careful in what you share about yourself on the blogsite."

I noted his point but my reply was this - I may be a leader but I am also a human. I fail occasionally, whether in the decisions I have to make in life or in my relationship with others. I also told him I do not want to paint an ideal picture of a leader who needs to be perfect all the time. It will not happen and it is also not a fact.

This is to allow future leaders to acknowledge that it is alright to fail at times. It also removes this mentality that leaders need to always be in tip-top condition. Of course it is ideal but it is just not possible all the time. In fact that leader may simply burn out, not because of the amount of responsibilities given to him or her but by trying very hard all the time to portray a perfect image.

That is just my views on the comment made. Others may see it differently and I have no issues about that.

I just finished playing a game of Pictionary with George and his family. It was the battle of the sexes and the guys won in the end.

I went to Trinity International Church this morning to worship God. The experience was like that of heaven except that it is here on earth. As the word, "International," suggests, there were people of different nationalities and languages coming together to worship God. There were Africans, Singaporeans, Americans, English, Dutch, etc. It was just a different experience.

After service, we went to a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown for lunch. We had dim sum. We ate so much that I was not able to have dinner. This is by far the heaviest meal I have consumed since my surgery.

When we were done with that, George and his family went back home while I stayed on in town. It was not to shop. I basically went to a small park near the Parliament House to speak with God about something. I felt better after that. I shall leave it as that.

I went to buy a sandwich and a cup of hot coffee. I gave them to an elderly lady whom I have come across several times in the past few days along one of the shopping alleys, begging for money. She could not speak English but I am glad she accepted the food and drink. She went to a quieter spot to have a sip or two of the coffee. I hope God will continue to provide for her daily needs.

After that I headed back to George and Laurel's home to do some reading. I napped shortly after.

Well, tomorrow is officially my last full day in The Netherlands. I will fly off on Tuesday afternoon and will arrive in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon. I praise God for allowing me to come on this trip. He has taught me much in the 5-day retreat I had and I pray He will guide me as I put to practice what I have learnt when I go back to the reality of life in Singapore. Though I did not get to shop and tour much, those were not my objective in the first place and I do not feel that it was a loss not doing so.

I would like to key off by saying that life is still not bad even though my journey lately has been on the low. It is picking up. These couple of weeks, I am learning and adapting. Painful but hopefully this is enough for me to be a blessing again to God and others especially my loved ones.

To Him be the glory!

Have a blessed week, everyone.

No comments: