Intercession
Today, an event in my class reminded me of Genesis 18 - Abraham interceding with God for the people of Sodom. This was what happened:
I had denied awarding stars to 2 groups of students, because some of them were not paying attention in class. They were visibly disappointed, since the stars are more treasured and valued than anything else in their 7-year-old life. At the end of the day, I asked the other 3 groups of children who received their reward already, "Who thinks I should give them the stars?"
A handful of them raised their hands. Andrew spoke up "Let's give them a chance." After hearing that, the rest of them agreed in unison spontaneously. The whole class applauded when they heard my decision to give them a chance.
Did I relent after hearing their intercession? Nope. I had intended to give the 2 groups of students a chance even when I mete out the punishment already, but I took the opportunity to test the hearts of the other 3 groups. Lo and behold, they had caring hearts of compassion.
I think I felt a little of how God felt after he heard Abraham intercede with him: I felt pleased that their hearts are compassionate. =)
Habakkuk 3:17
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The mind of a 7-year-old
In line with Total Defence Day, I was asking my class what they could do to help Singapore.
Many said, "I will help my teacher / friends / mother."
Some said, "I will pick up litter."
C*den, my boy diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, said, "I will protect the future."
After recovering from shock at the depth of his suggestion, I probed further, "How will you protect the future?"
He answered without any hesitation, "By not stepping on the plants even though they are ugly!"
I couldn't help but smile, and be amazed at this huge brain in a little body.
Amazed!
I am just so amazed.
One night of repentance.
Laid it down at the foot of the cross.
Hate turned into love.
Prejudice turned into acceptance.
Judgment turned into grace.
180 degrees turn-around.
Overnight.
Thank you Lord!
Blows off the dust..
I think it's time to update this blog.. Forgive the lack of speed in updating, for I have 3 blogs to update - This, my private blog (don't ask, it is PRIVATE), and a class blog which I just launched recently.
The class blog was an inspiration from Soowei who shared her passion and ideas with me, and then, I committed to try it out this year! So far, so good! It requires a little extra effort on a teacher's part - journalling, taking photos and videos, and uploading them. Of course, there are many reasons for it, one of it being encouraging parents to be involved in their child's learning.
As I showed my class the blog for the first time yesterday, I knew it was worth the hard work. Their beaming smiles cannot contain the excitment they were feeling inside man. One parent emailed me
"Really appreciate you for what you have done. *A enjoyed viewing the blog thoroughly and refused to log out." Wow!
While I am enjoying this year being the P1 teacher again, I am challenged to move from the "good" to the "God". It's time to be an intentional minister in the workplace.
Ministry this year in church takes a whole new shift. I have never imagined myself doing
this, and I surprised myself by realizing how much I enjoy the task. It's really funny. As I think back through my 25 years of life, I often am not very sure of what am I good at, or what I truly enjoy. Yet, after all the twists and turns, I end up where I am, and I realize, "God, this is truly a best fit at this point of time." Indeed, I am certain his fingerprints are all over my life journey.
Health is another big concern at this age. I never used to bother about health, until I tangibly felt my body decaying day by day. These days, energy has to be rationed out. Bones have to be calcium-fied, and skin has to be moisturized. My right leg has 3 black bruises - 1 scar on my knee, and 2 blue-blacks on my thigh. While I sigh at my clumsiness, I sigh with relief that they are not open wounds. With open wounds, my nurse-mother would scare me with the possibility of 'tetanus', while my doctor-sister would send me a scary mms of a patient stiff with tetanus.Well, I look forward with hope to the day of our glorified bodies - perfect and without blemish!
I realized I have yet to put up my Myanmar Mission Trip photos..We did a lot of children and adult ministry over there..We did ministry in little homes which are the size of our living hall in Singapore, and also out in the open. Improvisation is the key. Here are some photos to give you a glimpse of it. =)
