
Yes... today is my birthday... It was with mixed feelings that I begin my 32nd year on this planet. When I look at the year past, I just can't help but feel sad. I could still remember vividly where my wife and I went for dinner on my birthday last year. I could still remember what she bought for me and when and where she went to buy. Things are so different now. It's never the gift or the cake that I remember... but the people who spent my birthdays with me.
The Lord giveth and taketh away... even though I am alone this year... He is ever so faithful and gracious to provide many people who really make my day. There are bros and sisters-in-Christ who celebrated for me on Tuesday... there are friends who sent it their messages from all over the world... there are my students who are always there to give me the encouragement that I needed... there are my current students who never fails to bring a smile on my face... there are my colleagues who celebrated for me as well, my parents, my sister... best friends... Looking at the long long list, I cannot help but give thanks to Him.
For all those whom I mentioned (you know who u are), I am really touched by your kind words and actions... your care and concern... your love and friendship... Though I am sad yet I am comforted... that feeling is just so strange. Perhaps like the photo of the yellow flower, taken after the rain... Does it look sad or do you see hope in it? I see a bit of both... perhaps I would like to focus on the hope. There is always a rainbow after the storm... and I'm looking forward to that rainbow.
It was during this very difficult time that I realised that the greatest satisfaction comes from giving. It's about giving whatever you have to offer to your loved ones, your friends, those whom are important to you and even strangers. Through giving encouragement to others, I find myself encouraged. I believe that God is using this period to train me and to mould me. Just like what one of the sisters once said to me... now it is also my favourite poem...
When God wants to drill a man,
And thrill a man,
And skill a man
To play the noblest part;
When He yearns with all His heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,
Watch His methods, watch His ways!
How He ruthlessly perfects
Whom He royally elects!
How He hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows converts him
Into trial shapes of clay which
Only God understands;
While his tortured heart is crying
And he lifts beseeching hands!
How He bends but never breaks
When his good He undertakes;
How He uses whom He chooses,
And with every purpose fuses him:
By every act induces him
To try his splendor out--
God knows what He's about.
It is with this hope that I begin my 32nd year and it is my sincere prayer that God will continue to guide my footsteps in time to come.