THERE WERE GOOD TIMES AND NOT SO GOOD TIMES
Some people told me that I looked very solemn, or took things just too seriously. Others said I was friendly, and sometimes just crazy. Still another said, “Chris, you’re a quiet person,” not to my surprise. Well, perhaps those who had been roommates or who stayed in touch regularly might know each other better. I, like everyone, met various personalities. I am blessed by people who really expressed their care and concern, continually. I still keep in touch with some friends, gathering together once in a while regularly. There were also those with whom I rarely stayed in touch but who still graciously helped me upon my requests. And there’s someone that comes into my mind almost always, but to whom I could hardly get any closer yet. There were even people of whose kindness I am not aware at all. It is good, therefore, to have good friends around you; good friends beget better life.
Now, however, after graduation, we’d have even less chance to meet together. In fact, I discover that I am already finding (and re-finding) my fit in some new (and old) groups of friends, back where I am currently staying. I don’t know if we’re on the same page, but this is how I then think: Being able to stay in touch closely with a new friend is just as equally possible for us as losing contact with those in whom we had once confided or with whom we’re once close. On the one hand, every bond of friendship is as long, lasting as our memories can preserve, in the sense that whenever we have a chance to gather together after having not met with each other for a long while, most of us would look forward to having any such reunion. On the other hand, a person could have long, lasting bonds with rarely more than three people, or perhaps six or seven people, so few or many as it depends on that person, in the sense that time and space limit the size and span of the person’s inner circle – for one to truly care for and know another deeply, with mutual affection, and continually.
On the gloomier side, I could not deny that sometimes there’s a need for a lot of patience. I did make mistakes: Sometimes I carelessly mentioned on matters that should not be mentioned; at other times I talked or wrote in an insensitive manner; there were even a few arguments – yes, heated arguments! I also learnt the hard way to neither be manipulative (e.g. the “All I care is that you do what I want, and don’t do what I don’t want” attitude) nor indifferent (e.g. the “I don’t care whatever you do” attitude). I am learning to keep seeking mutual understanding (e.g. simply, the “I care” attitude) in every relationship. Nonetheless, troubles are inevitable this side of heaven, and worrying helps but nothing. Moreover, there were things I did wrong that I find hard to mention here. Hmmm… words cannot always describe gloomy things clearly; silence might conceal them; but in Christ I shall put my trust.
AND THE BEST TIME IS YET TO COME
Consider the work of God:
Who is able to straighten what he has bent?
When times are good, be joyful;
when times are bad, consider this:
God made the one as well as the other,
so people won’t seek anything outside of his best.
[Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (ISV)]
This is it: a new stage of life has just begun for me this year. I shall keep advancing forward; I shall not fear the future; I shall not waste the present; then, in the end of my life, perhaps I will not regret the past. I shall learn from my mistakes, from others’ mistakes and, more so, from others’ successes. I shall enrich my life and others’, by working continually for God’s best on every aspect of it. In short, I shall build good relationships and live wisely. I am to appreciate everything gifted, more so my family and friends, while abiding always in God. Whenever I remember this bible verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians chp. 4: v. 13), I will recall the next one, “Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my trouble” (v. 14). I believe God intends us to be able not only to say, “Thank you, Lord,” but also to tell those around us, especially those close to us, “Thank you for sharing in my life.”
So to end this writing, I convey my gratitude, a big “Thank you”, to all of you who helped, cared and shared all these years. Thank you for the time spent for one another. With all my heart I wish all of you who read all of these all the best in all your future undertakings. The best time is yet to come! God bless you all.
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