I tried to write... but I really couldn't write much... as my thoughts are a whirlwind... "Hossana" and "It is well" are just playing in the background, and just moments before, it was 嘉宾 and 只是太爱你...
I am just very thankful for December, and everything that builds up to it.
There was some amount of rest; it was the first time I could take 13 days off, and with that and the weekends, it's been more than half the month. I had 2 amazing trips, one to Vienna and one where my favourite people came to visit me in Abu Dhabi. God has just been amazing and faithful, despite my weaknesses and my fragility so many times.
I looked back at the year, and I really cannot describe in just one journal how it's been. It's been amazing at times, overwhelming others, and many times, I think as I go through one season, I get to know myself better. I think I learnt so much about myself throughout this year, much more compared to other years. I was touched by the Christmas sermon, when PK preached about darkness and how darkness is in itself necessary and a blessing - and where through dark times, we learn and mature, and grow. I think... this year has a couple of such times. They may not be totally dark, but what I think is that I've learnt about myself more through them. I think 2024 will still be that journey.
I took up tennis more seriously in May. And this was somewhat a lifeline for me, for me to pour my emotions into, whenever I felt down and out. Yes, I learn techniques and enjoyed them, but just like running, tennis has also become a "time-out", for some me-time, even if I am playing different ones on the court. Maybe I get impatient some days, maybe I want to improve, but... it's been a tremendous time of learning, hitting, me-time, reflection time. :)) And, it's apt to say that I've ended my 2023 with one last hit.
It's "You are my Sunshine" playing right now. :))
And - I am very grateful and my heart is overwhelmed, for the last 7 - 9 days. I had the most amazing time with everyone.. thank you Sabie, Lips, Daph, Ranie, Jon and Rena. You guys... are just Wao Wao Wao. I am so glad you can share in a little bit of my Abu Dhabi life, and see Kenji. Some ties, are for a long long long time.. It's amazing how everything came about. :))
The most precious times to me are not the visiting of the places, but the HTHTs we had at different moments, and throughout the night, especially the 2nd last night, where we gave thanks, we talked, we sang songs, we laughed ourselves silly. It's raw, it's real, and it's what is most special to me. Thank you, my dearest friends.
I can only sum up my gratitude in this one video here. And, I actually did 3 takes for this. The 1st 2 times, somehow, wasn't saved... me not the most savvy of all when it comes to video editing, but finally, this morning, I got it sorted out. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAwVPaD5WZw
And, my favourite photo of the trip. This. Maybe one day I will become her helper when she sets up her vet clinic.
Looking at the above, I think one thing rings so true - seeds. We reap what we sow. I pray that I will continue to sow good seeds, and despite my fragility and weakness, that I will continue to sow, and bring much to the people around me.
And - John 3:16 - for God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son... May I always remember how much God has so loved me, and that I may continue to do my best and do my best for Him. :)
