Since the covid curfew, every Sat has been a most intriguing time where we listen to at least 2 sermons, study the Bible more in depth, and discuss the mysteries of God.
The last few Saturdays, I was 陶醉 in Genesis, Revelations and 1 Cor 13 - Creation / De-creation, People, Provision, Blessing, Land, and then End Times and Sufferings, Love.
And the patterns you can discover in the Bible of God's character. I am definitely trying to understand, seek-knock-ask, and I mulled on 1 single take-away today.
The Salvation story is so so intricately complex and woven. God Himself is such a masterminder, and this is such a mysterious web to entangle, understand, study, and probably still, we would have only understood just that bit of the whole. So why? Why is God such a masterminder and grand architect and for what purpose? Why can't it be simpler? Is that why, if we are also made in the image of Him, that we also mastermind, and some, to the wrong extent, the wrong things. Maybe that's why we are all so complex beings too?
And this morning, after my run, I watched a clip on "Life after Death", and to understand again what the Bible says about eternal life and death. I have been pondering about this topic, a bit more recently, including the topic on suicide.
I love Saturdays. Consciously, I have to tell myself not to think about work. I have worked out a good plan thus far in Covid, to dedicate my Saturday more to the Lord, including a run every Sat morning to stay physically alive and healthy, and as I do my boring runs round and round (today being the stadium), I confess and pray. Then, it's my coffee, some readings and tuning in to sermons and bible studies. I really felt strengthened.
Last week, when I felt very under-the-weather and stressed by work, God gave me a really deja-vu impression. I saw this sign as the car turned - and it was a red sign that flashed "Slow Down". Many years ago in Japan, as the bus was on a winding road up the mountains to my home, I was pondering and thinking about buying a bike for commute. as the bus turned, I looked out of the window, and saw a red sign - 死亡. Of course, I did not buy the bike in Japan.
It was just .... dejavu, to have that flashback to the sign in Japan, and then in Abu Dhabi. I was so comforted and touched by God's goodness. There is no direct answer, but knowing that He speaks to me already reminded me of His love for me.
And, increasingly, in this covid, I ask myself the value of life, the value of time, and... have all sorts of other incomprehensible thoughts. Even translating thoughts into words might not be such an easy thing. So, mini me in this mega world is in a sense-making journey. :)
And I saw this frame recently, and I think this is probably so true. Even many things I want to express - I haven't quite yet found how to do so, intelligibly. I went to look at mindmap tools yesterday - wondering if drawing could help me express better?
And the fact that the pastors were able to draw so much insights from the Bible, and to translate that into a study that would help people understand... wow... it is treasure trove seeking, learning, understanding, God giving more to those who earnestly seek, and then that framing of concepts, patterns and thoughts to help one understand.
I just felt so blessed this blazing Saturday afternoon. Reading the word and understanding, and meaningfully applying it and translating it in my life is not so easy, and I will continue to endeavour to try.
All my musings aside, I am just thankful that this is a longer weekend.
Time to catch up with loved ones and laugh myself silly, read the Rosie Project, savour the Last Dance, to laugh and have our own commentaries over Tokyo Terrace House, to do my 3 runs these 3 days, to walk K a little longer, watch clips on dogs and architect and interior design, to have some nice wine and champagne. These are the pleasures and moments of life and I truly give thanks. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment