Old year vs New year

What is so magical about the stroke of 12 on 1 January every year? Is it not simply the passing of a second?
What is so special about a "New year"? Is it not simply an arbitrary set up by Man?

New year vs Old year. To me, it is a significant milestone, a time of remembrance and thanksgiving, a time of renewal and rededication. Moving on into a new year reminds us that time stops for no one. It moves on whether we like it or not, regardless of the situation. Yet, it also brings hope, that time can heal broken wounds and correct wrongs. A wise teacher once shared "Life is to be lived forward, but understood backwards". As time slips us by, like sand through our fingers, we learn to treasure that we cannot hold and count our every blessings.

Looking back at 2012, my heart is filled with thanksgiving and nostalgia. This has been a very special year, as I complete the chapter of my life which was left uncompleted 8 years ago. Serving the army at 26 years old, as a MOIC of NSMC has been a great and wonderful blessing. God had given me the opportunity to interact with so many wonderful people, opened the doors to many lives that I could influence and touch, brought me through a journey of self-discovery that could otherwise never happen. When else would I be in No2 attending a military dinner, hop on and off a flying helicopter, manage a medical centre, putting into practice all that I have believed a good doctor/healthcare institute should be, work with a bunch of lively/enthusiastic medics, fight against the injustices of a poor system, be motivated and disciplined to train physically every other day, stay away from home "legally"...There are little restrictions (not worried about earning money or how my performance would affect my future) and much space for me to explore and utilise. This IS the time of my life, a time of certain freedom to do what I desire, one that would be hard to come by in the life ahead.

Yet, God has taught me many important lessons through the mistakes I have made. He has revealed the childish side of me, where decisions are made on impulse, emotion or selfish desires. Maturity is not a measure of age, but our ability to make well informed decisions even against our gut feeling, ready to bear its consequences. In Sam's words "Be a man, do the right thing". He has also revealed the angsty side of me, one which is fearless, rebellious, zealous and anti-establishment.Often masquerade a righteous activist fighting for the injustice of the society, God has challenged me to look beyond the façade and into my soul, to see the little monster in me. Need to learn to question my motives and actions, by the wisdom and grace of the Spirit. God has also challenged me to relook at how I prioritise matters in my life, to treasure that which has  eternal value.

Looking at the year ahead, as I end the NS chapter of my life, a new exciting chapter begins --- marriage.
So much anticipation, yet so much uncertainty. My life will change drastically, no longer "me" but "us", no longer "I" but "we". Living together is certainly not the same as being together. Priorities will change, life principles will change. What lies ahead, I can only pray that God leads and guide us to love each other upon His love. And it's returning to reality, back into the real working world. I shudder at going back to the wards, so rusty and deconditioned. Having to humbly start afresh, learn everything from scratch will be tough but exciting experience. Many new beginnings!

5 more months to ORD. I am surprisingly not as excited about leaving as others are. Well, 5 more months of doing what I can, to hand over and start letting go. May the beautiful memories and friendships live beyond ORD.