the narrow road

I admire Mother Theresa but quite honestly I would not want to walk in her shoes. As inspiring as her life was, I know that it was a life full of sacrifice, tears and suffering. Yet I also imagine it was a life that was filled with a kind of joy that I am not sure all will be able to experience.

There are many that I admire and respect. Many who inspire me. Some living some not quite. Apostle Paul is an inspiring man of God. He challenges us to “follow him as he follows Christ”. My heart yearns to, yet I consider the price he paid and I hesitate.

Jesus paid a price I could not even begin to imagine paying myself though I would not even make the mark of what was required. Yet why is it so difficult to die to self and take up my cross in obedience? Why is it that I am eternal grateful for this salvation and the blessed hope of eternal life and yet with holding myself at times from God’s plan.

I fully appreciate apostle Paul’s similar struggle in his letter to the Romans. The good he wanted to do did not get done, instead the evil he did not want to do was precisely what he did! He ended the chapter on a note I fully understand – “what a wretched man I am!”. Yet I am glad it actually did not end his speech. He proclaimed that despite our constant struggles with obedience and sin, God does not condemn us! Wow! Simply mind blowing!

I struggle, yet I know His immeasurable grace will see me thru every struggle, every heartache. May I learn to take up this cross of mine with joy. His yoke is easy and His burden is light…the secret is in casting everything to Jesus!

Still learning so much in this, but always pressing on in the strength and grace of Jesus! Amen and Amen!

The recent Raya Holidays was the first time in at least 4 years that I was not away on a missions trip or camp! This time round I had a blast just doing stuff I normally would not have time to do. I caught up with my mum. Had some unhurried time with her. It can usually bevery harried and at times with my impatience running a tad thin (read: VERY) as I am trying to bring mum out for a day and yet having to do half a dozen other things. And mum cant walk very fast – hence the impatience at times. It is always a struggle that i face, wanting to spend more time with mum and yet struggling with the other things that clamour for my attention!

Always such a challenge to seek that balance. But this time round, there was time for me to rest and recuperate and sleep lots! Tehre was time for mum and I to take our time to wander around the shopping complexes. Taking time for mum to sit and rest in between the stores. It was great fun to ssee mum spoil herself with a handbag, shoes, clothes, a ring and lots more! She was happy and so was I. These are moments that can only be captured in my memories for a long time to come. In fact we had two days of shopping!

I am so grateful because I know that God knew we needed this time together. At the same time I had a great time to read the bible and books. I am in the middle of a pretty enlightening book. But more on that at the next post.

Family are precious. You never know when your time is “up” with them. So never live in regret. Love Them by making tiem for them!