Happy birthday Singapore!
Its the time of the year when I feel my insides swell with
patriotism. Year after year, as I watch the NDP, I never fail to dream
of being part of the marching contingent, of playing a part in the
nation's birthday celebration. Even when I was serving my NS, I wanted
to volunteer to cover NDP, but oh well...
As I finish my NS, that bubble burst, revealling reality. But
that dream still remains strong, just finding a different form. I begin
to explore the possiblity of joining politics :) but that too is a
bubble which quickly bursts as the responsibilities are far beyond what I
can bear, the qualities required I lack greatly, n I certainly have no
calling/burden from the Higher HQ.
So how can I love my country? How can I put my internal
patriotism into reality? How I step out of my dream n make it come true?
How can I be a blessing to my community?
As I walked thru the market after my 10km run, I saw the
elderly folk, the disabled selling tissue, singing at the corner of the
street n God gave me a part of the answer...start by loving and
accepting the marginalised of the society. Yes, accepting n loving, not
just tolerating...just yesterday fangyu n I were discussing this about
our church. But how?
- small scale: serving in karunaya clinic, volunteering my
medical services. Have I even been faithful in these areas of service
God calls me? Though these may seem small scale, he who is faithful in
small matters will be faithful in big matters.
- larger scale: medical policies. But I'm greatly lacking in
knowledge of even existing policies n lack a macro view of things. Don't
think I'll make a food policy maker...but at least start to know?
Part 2: 先有家才有国. Yes, I need to learn to love my family, know
how to teach my children. On a larger context, my Spiritual family: as a
执事, how can serve my church in making the right decisions, carrying for
the community, n being a good steward of God's resources? There is much
I still have to learn.
And above all, learning to pray for my country. Honestly, I
have taken our good government, sercurity n prosperity for granted. Must
always remember that all that we have is a gift from God n not a result
of man's efforts. Must not forget our painful history n the sacrifices
our forefathers made thru the nation building years.
Indeed, Father, thank you for blessing our nation with 48 years
of stability, growth n prosperity. I pray that you would continue to
bless our government with wisdom n compassion to lead our nation. I pray
for my fellow Singaporeans, tat we wld treasure what we have now, not
forgetting our past n be united to face the challenges ahead.
My dearest Singapore and beloved country, happy birthday! May u continue to shine n be a blessing to others :)
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