I wrote down my resolutions for the year 2013. As this year is coming to an end, I realized that I have not been able to achieve most goals I have set for the year, mostly due to my diagnosis of cancer and the surgery which followed.
However, there is one resolution which I have managed to keep, one which I added in at the last minute, and gave no big thoughts to it - at the time, it seemed 'small' compared to all the other goals, which I regarded as major ones.
"To be truly happy, in God's ways and by God's wills."
Looking back now, I am grateful that during my darkest hours, I chose to listen to that inner voice - which I would love to believe, and I believe were messages from God. Today, the 'smallest' resolution ends up as my biggest achievement, surpassing all the rest of my goals set. I still have 2014 onward to make sure those get fulfilled, whichever and whenever God wills.
Here are some things I have learnt along the way.
Never keep count. It does not matter how much you have done for another which may have been taken for granted or never been repaid for. Remember, you are doing your part, and do it from the heart, and do not expect returns.
Do not expect someone to change, especially for you. No one is perfect. If and when you love someone, you accept him/her as he/she is. If he/she has to change the bad ways, he/she will and shall in time, with God's grace and will, for their own good.
"Give Time time." In the heat of a disagreement / misunderstanding / difficulty, we may think we are right and the victim, and pick on others' faults / flaws. Over time, you will see why it always takes 'two hands to clap'. We each have our own faults and in the end, it does not even matter who takes the bigger blame.
Forgive and forget in order to move on. One good and normal option for most is of course, to move or stay away from the people/problem. However, if you never made peace with the heart, no matter how far you distant yourself, you shall and will never be freed.
One best advice I got was from a priest from the Philippines. He told me to treat Forgiveness as a gift. Just as God our Father forgives and shows us mercy, we can give this gift to others as well - to forgive and to love.
Actions really speak louder than words. I read somewhere about an advice given on dating a guy based on what he does, not what he says. Words can most times be only words. People say sorry or show their love in different ways. Their actions may mean and show way more sincerity from their hearts than mere "I'm sorry" or "I love you".
Love. One of the best quotes from the late Nelson Mandela is the one on love, that
"No one is born to hate another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
Yes, I find that it is so easy to love and care for another if we only open our hearts to it. I am sure it is because we are made in the image of God and because God is love and He first loves us, that we love.
Love truly is the greatest, and this world needs more love.
Put God first. Always make God the center of your lives and seek Him first. Seasons and people and things change, but the word of the Lord stays forever. When the world has turned its back on you, God is always there, so you are never alone. Trust in the Lord with all your heart that He shall show and provide the way even when there seems to be no way.
Alright, there are more things I can and will learn.
As Christmas draws near, I feel joy although I am actually quite stressed out with work, and was irritated because I am stuck in this holiday seasons with no chance to take leave. Anyways, my favorite most beautiful time of the year is here. Let us not forget the true purpose of this celebration, our anticipation of when a Holy Child is born - a Messiah, a true King!
Have a Blessed Christmas!
"No one is born to hate another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
Yes, I find that it is so easy to love and care for another if we only open our hearts to it. I am sure it is because we are made in the image of God and because God is love and He first loves us, that we love.
Love truly is the greatest, and this world needs more love.
Put God first. Always make God the center of your lives and seek Him first. Seasons and people and things change, but the word of the Lord stays forever. When the world has turned its back on you, God is always there, so you are never alone. Trust in the Lord with all your heart that He shall show and provide the way even when there seems to be no way.
Alright, there are more things I can and will learn.
As Christmas draws near, I feel joy although I am actually quite stressed out with work, and was irritated because I am stuck in this holiday seasons with no chance to take leave. Anyways, my favorite most beautiful time of the year is here. Let us not forget the true purpose of this celebration, our anticipation of when a Holy Child is born - a Messiah, a true King!
Have a Blessed Christmas!
