Monday, December 29, 2008

Challenges in a Family

In today's competitive world, the word FAMILY has its great challenges. It is not wise to compare our families to our neighbours. Yet, so many of us do this. I wish my marriage was a happy as theirs. This wrong because, first, every family is a unique relationship of singular individuals. It is impossible for two families to be identical. Second, every family has challenges which usually are not apparent to the eye of the envious neighbours.

Even Joseph and Mary, the parents of Jesus had their share of struggles. The trust which is fundamental to a marriage was challenged by the pregnancy. Joseph must have felt terrible when he had to bring his wife to a stable to have the child. Living a foreign land, away from family and traditions, was far from ideal. Still, the family made it through the difficulties of their family life for one reason only; they had great faith.

The family conquered their struggles through their faith-life. This must be the primary concern of our families.

With so many single parents out there, don't waste your energy wishing that your marriage had worked out and the children could be with both the parents. It does no good to long for that which is not probable.

Instead, single parents should focus on establishing a strong family unit. What the children need is a home not things that the neighbour's kids have.

Do your best and trust in God to do the rest.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Drowned at Sea

My friend lost her husband at sea when she was 36.

One beautiful Sunday morning, her husband went for a boat ride with their two young kids 7 and 9 and another nephew but luck was not with him when the boat capsized.

The boatman ranaway and the father had to save 3 the kids and when he brought them to safety, he slipped into the water through sheer exhaustion and the waves carried him away into the deep blue sea and he drowned.

The mother wanted a better further for the children, decided to send the children overseas. She had to sell her house to finance the educational expenses.

Upon completion the children decided to stay back and now the poor ailing mother has to live in a retirement home. Last week while crossing the road to get some groceries was knocked down by a car and she landed on the windscreen shattering it to pieces and is now waiting to be operated on her broken arm and substained many bruises on her body.

What a life, spending all her life savings on her children in hope for a better future but it didn't happen according to her plans.

We can plan and calculate to the best of our abilities but the ultimate plan lies unknown to us.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Heal the World

Lying is an ugly blot of a person's character, but ignorant people do it all the time. A thief is better than a habitual liar but both are headed for ruin. A liar has no honour. He lives in constant disgrace.

My friend had a broken relationship in her marriage and this had caused herself and her family great pain. They are now heading for a civil divorce. A relationship that began with high ideals, joy and optimism has degenerated into distrust, anger, rejection and self-pity. What was once "one flesh" has been torn apart.

After three decades of marriage the husband said to her one day that he found another woman much gentler than her. It was hard for her to accept the husband departure but then again I asked her what was great about him. "Let him go. You have settled it and you cannot change it. Look away from him and leave him alone and let him enjoy his hard life if he can."

There is so much life out there. Go out and heal the world.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

New Managment Council

Finally when our Management Council was formed, the owners were delighted that they can now be in full control of the premises after much wrestle with the Developer for many years.

All our hopes were dashed when the newly elected council informed during the meeting that the management fees would be raised between 50 and 300% depending on the size of the unit.

Owners were very shocked about the sudden hike and when they questioned it, they were smacked down by the people in power just like a shuttle cock nose-dived onto a badminton court. This had created unhappiness amongst owners and some had comtemplated to seek legal recourse.

It cannot be disputed that council members serve on a voluntarily basis but compassion and the passion to serve should not be overlooked.

Financial Crisis

Losing jobs, allowances and incentives slashed or cut. Stocks and shares are crumbling.

Recession is at our doorstops and people are depressed and Christmas around the corner.

Place your courage in God's presence, because we are sure that He hears us if we ask for anything that is according to His will. Turn now and plead with Almighty God and He will come and help you and restore you. All the wealth you lost will be nothing compared with what God will give you then.

God will show the way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see and He will make away for you. Keep your faith and perserver. Believe that tomorrow will be a better day.

Friday, December 12, 2008

The Game Of Cheating

I knew of a colleague who married soon after obtaining her key to freedom. They were blessed with a wonderful baby the following year and a couple of years later they were blessed with yet another beautiful child.

Then one day, her husband had to travel to another country for business. When he returned he told his wife that he had fallen in love with another woman. The wife was distraught but for the sake of her two young children decided to forgive him and was again blessed with another child a few years later.

Then thirty years into the marriage he declared that he doesn't love the wife anymore and walked of the family into another woman's arms whom he claimed was gentler than the wife. Now they are in a legal tussle to settle disputed family assets. Over the years, I did realize something that she found strength and courage to face the realities of life.

As her colleague, I could sometimes see her weep over her failed marriage.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Opportunities in a Crisis

A few years ago, I went to India for a religious retreat. When we were about to land, there was a great thunder storm and the plane went through airpockets and the plane was rattling and shaking. The ride was bumpy and choppy and my heart was pounding but the flight stewardess was reassuring and said that everything was alright.

On touching down the passengers especially the locals still in the state of shock hurriedly took their baggages from the cabins above and a bag fell on one of the passengers and there was shouting and the earlier gentle flight stewardess suddenly turned into a marshal ordering all passengers to sit.

The recent attack at Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai brought back memories about my trip to India some 4 years ago about the commotion at the plane. My condolences to all the family members who had lost their loved ones tragically.

When I was confused and did not know how to cope with my personal crisis then I started to develop a personal relationship with God my Father. I know He loves me as manifested in my daily life and I love Him even more now. I know that I could trust Him if I surrender myself to His Word. As I search the Scriptures each day, many passages come alive and this had kept me going.

Praise God! I managed to look for other alternatives that give new beginnings. Today, I look forward to helping children grow in their faith each Sunday. I am like a young shoot in the house of God but with His grace He will see me through.