A Happy New Year?

Six days into the new year... lots of thoughts these few days. Was so busy with work and I was wondering whether I should work on my thesis tonight... After my dinner, I finally decided to give myself a break. So, here am I... at harbourfront starbucks... working on my blog.

I chose this picture (taken on 2nd Jan during a short hike to the treetop walk at Mac Ritchie Reservoir) because I was reminded of the butterfly story in one of the comments to my previous post. The butterfly story really gave me some encouragement. I heard it a few times but I supposed you will only appreciate it when you are going through some trials in life. At this point in my life, the only thing I can rely on is God.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - 1 Cor 10:13

His grace is sufficient for me to go through this very difficult time of my life. It is not easy for me but again, God never promise that it will be easy. He only promise that He will provide a way. Perhaps I am able to go through it with Him and that's why He allowed this to happen to me. And the reason I can think of is that He has some important lessons for me to learn.

Anyway, this is perhaps the new year where I comtemplated a lot on what happened in the past year. Looking back, I cannot but be thankful to God for all that He hath provided... family, bros and sis-in -Christ, friends, colleagues and students. All of you in one way or another, cheer me up when I am down. As I go onto my 32nd year of my life (opps! that 's my age revealed) soon, I cannot help but wonder about my future. My future is so uncertain... but I am sure, God has already prepare the way for me.

Looking forward to the year, I realise I must do my best to recover from this major setback. It may take me some time (maybe a few years) but I am sure I can do it, especially with His Help. So, after a break of so many years without a new year resolution, I have decided to make three this year. First, is to walk closely with God. He is the ONLY one who can see me through and He will provide. Second, I want to improve my photography skills. Will be taking a lot of pictures this year... so students, get ready... Last but not least, I must exercise. Promised Pastor Ter that I will complete the Penang Hill when I return to Penang end of this year.

To my students, I wonder whether any one of you make new year resolutions? Somehow, I got this feeling within me that I will be able to do it this time. Resolutions are good. They serve as a target for the year and somehow sets a purpose for us. What do you want to achieve this year? good results? memorable class?

Whatever it is, I just pray that all my students will enjoy their final year in RV. take time to build up friendships with your friends and do not forget to maintain your ties with us, teachers. Take time to enjoy the surroundings that we often take for granted... Take time to enjoy the process of learning... Take time to smile... to cry... to celebrate... and to enjoy sometimes... solitude. I came to realise that when I sit down to think about all these things, I am very much comforted once more. Like what some of my friends said... take time to count the blessings we have and we will see how small our problems really are! So, my students, do not be afraid of the coming O levels... just do your best and the rest is really up to God.

As we go into the new year, let us all be ready to face the different challenges that each one of us has. when we realise that we are never walking alone... we will be able to make it because we know we can find strength and comfort from those around. Just like the pupa which struggled to become the butterfly, I am sure we can all fly high. really felt better after babbling my thoughts through this blog... time to sleep... good night...