Teach us to number our days

He had a beautiful singing voice, and he sat next to me in the semicircle. He sang baritone, and he gave us much hope about a batch that we were mercilessly critical of. He was always cheerful, always kind, albeit a bit absent-minded. We had great hopes for him. He was the kind of guy that made people feel happy, made people feel welcome, it was a gift he had. His story was encouraging, and from the moment you heard it, you already gave him respect- the strength of his family, the resilience of his faith, the hope in his eyes- you knew he had looked at his own mortality and done his sums.

I remember one incident when he was adamant about going for an audition, and we were all so upset with him that he wanted to go. But he was insistent. And I won’t forget how he looked me in the eye and said that this was the call on his life, to do something greater, to do something more, by serving God as a Christian singer. I remember laughing at him in my heart, incredulous and cruel. But he meant it.

Few years later, I remember looking at a picture where he gave his testimony before a crowd in the school auditorium. He looked more haggard, and strained. I had heard that the illness had relapsed, but I hadn’t seen him in a while. But he looked animated, invigorated, full of life and passion. And I saw him there, testifying about faith in a reliable God who had brought him thus far. And I prayed that God would use that testimony for Himself. I knew He would, because that same testimony had strengthened my faith too.

A year or so later, I bumped into him in NUS, near his home. I walked with him to his place, and caught a glimpse into the life of his family. I heard about his father and his struggles. I haven’t seen him since then.

Yesterday, around eleven, I read the message. And it was a shocking piece of news. The kind of news that makes you put your pen down and stop doing what you’re doing because you can’t think of anything else. And memories just come rushing back. I prayed with someone for him last night. We prayed for his family. They must be relieved, that after the back and forth, finally God’s appointed time has come for his struggle to be over.

But I praise God, because when I first think of this brother, I think of his faith, and the goodness of God. And one day I will see you again, as she said, by the glorious river. What a blessing, to have your life stand as a giant signboard pointing to the faithfulness of God. May his life continue to have that impact on others. As they think about his twenty four years here on earth, may others also number our days. Yes Lord, teach us to number our days. How appropriate, to heed and joyfully receive the words of Ecclesiastes 12

    “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come…”
(Ecclesiastes 12:1 ESV)

Descending Mt Decemberest

December will always be known as an epic month. First there was Advent Concert with the ACJC Alumni Choir

at KKMC, then

at Singapore Art Museum (SAM) Chapel, then,

GBC Youth Camp 2010 at Dairy Farm/Salvation Army, then

the church’s musical, ‘A Baby Changes Everything’ (by Joshua Yap), then caroling at Les Amis (tradition), the Christmas service(s), appointments, and ensuing meetings…

But I think the worst is over. And now, the reflections and evaluations will begin, before the year comes to a close.

And so, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;” (Philippians 4:4-5 ESV)

Merry Christmas!

Random reflections on Advent

This has been a power-packed weekend- first with the every night preparations for the wedding and Advent concert, then the wedding itself on Friday, and then Advent night one (tonight) out of the way, finally getting some space to breathe. Here are some thoughts for the week:

—-

• Be grateful for the privileges and blessings given of God- they are not earned by us. 
• A heart of service fuels all acts of service, including being cheerful, encouraging and helpful.
• All music belongs to God, it makes the most sense when sung unto Him.
• Even when things don’t work out as planned, we are justified by the work of Another.
• Learning to surrender the things that belong to God, instead of being disappointed with them.
• Some memories that hurt and bring back bitter thoughts should be just left behind. Raw wounds heal best when unprovoked
• God the Holy Spirit knows how to speak through His music to His people. Nothing compares to the sweet aroma of prayer and worship.

Takeaways from the memorial service tonight

“It’s all in my head.”

“Learning and reading about the illness doesn’t really help you fear less…but he was wise…learning and reading about God’s wisdom in God’s Word is the source of peace and fearlessness”

“Two questions he always asked others…between 0 and 7, how many times have you done quiet time this week? Between 0-7, what is the quality of your time with God?”

“Question to ask self: what is God doing in your life now?”

Keep promises.

Dangerous beliefs and friends can really break your heart and hurt your faith in relationships.

Being different and smart and well-read can sometimes be intimidating and frightening to others. How do you move from inspiring others to really encouraging and journeying with them, together?

Fear God and keep His commandments, this is the sum duty of man.

  “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV)