There Must be More than Just Admitting Your Inadequacy

Recently, a friend sent me a "nice" email meant to be inspiring and encouraging. At first glance, it does seem so.

 

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT IT’S CHRISTIAN REASON WEEK AND YOU SHOULD SEND THIS TO ALL BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN PEOPLE.

 

When I say that “I am a Christian”, I am not shouting that “I am clean living”.

I am whispering “I am lost, but now I’m found and forgiven”.

When I say “I am a Christian”, I am not trying to be strong.

I am professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say “I am a Christian”, I am not bragging of success.

I am admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say “I am a Christian”, I am not claiming to be perfect.

My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say “I am a Christian”, I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say “I am a Christian”, I am not holier than you.

I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s grace.

But, at deeper contemplation, I find the message provokes introspection.

 

I was reminded of the recent Jubilee Malaysia held on 16 September 2012 when Christians of all denominations gathered at the Sabah Sports Stadium to pray for the nation's well beings. Within the stadium, the mood of comradeship and passion to do something as a community for the nation was really invigorating!

 

Sad to say, a few days later, Daily Express carried an article of a participant of the gathering who complained about the massive traffic jam she encountered immediately after the event due to many drivers all trying to get out of the car park and refusing to give way. Such lack of courtesy and selfishness totally contradicted what the community had pledged just a few minutes ago in the stadium! 

Do we have a lesson to learn ? I do.

Remember, even Melvin Udall played by Jack Nicholson, a misanthropic, obsessive-compulsive man in the movie "As Good as It Gets" can say "You make me want to be a better man!".

Surely, there must be something in Jesus that makes one want to be a better person. Mere words are not enough to change our character if they are not backed up by action.

Life Lessons from a Two-Year-Old

It's been a long time ago since I last spent meaningful time with, lived alongside, or communicated closely with a two-year-old. And now, having the chance to do so again, I have found it to be both refreshing and unexpectedly inspiring.

Each morning or after an afternoon nap, my 2-year-old grandson wakes up in his crib, stands by the rail with his outstretched arms, and calls out, "Carry! Carry!" And of course, he's never disappointed. That's Trust - pure and unwavering.

Sometimes, while watching his favorite TV program, he'll suddenly get up, grasp his toy guitar, hand me the toy tambourine, and declare, "Dancing! Dancing!". With his tiny hands strumming the guitar and his little feet bouncing with joy, he radiates a message that's hard to miss: "Hang Loose and Enjoy Life to the Fullest".

At the playground, he loves pressing his palm into the sand to leave an imprint. Then, with uncontainable joy,  he shouts, "Hand! Hand!". That's a beautiful reminder that Happiness can be Found in the Simplest, Most Unexpected Things.

Sometimes, in the middle of playing with his toys and laughing with delight, he'll suddenly pause and declare "TV! TV!". Once the TV is turned on, he becomes completely absorbed. That's his way of showing that Sometimes, You Need to Pause the Busyness of Life and Focus on What Truly Matters!".

When he finally manages in making a successful deposit in the potty after many attempts, he throws both hands in the air and shouts, "Hooray! Hooray!". That's his way of saying: Celebrate When You've Achieved What You Set Out to Do.

Even now and then, he runs to Grandpa clutching his only Chinese picture book, eagerly urging, "Bubbles! Bubbles!". He wants to turn to the page where a little boy is joyfully chasing the bubbles blown by the mother. That's a gentle reminder of the power of Creating Beautiful Memories that Last a Lifetime!".

Sometimes, when the adults are busy preparing food at the kitchen table and he's too short to see what's going on, he'll call out, "See! See!". He's then picked up and given a view of the action. That's a valuable life lesson: Sometimes, Things won't be Handed to You - You have to Ask, Speak Up and even Insist!.

He also loves drinking from a water bottle, even though it's not typically encouraged for a two-year-old. When he finishes, he eagerly asks "Some More! Some More!". That's his way of saying: Don't Give Up When There Is Still A Chance - Keep Reaching While The Opportunity is There.

When Grandpa held onto the trolley, just in case he needed help, he would push Grandpa's hand away and firmly say, "No! No!". That's a gentle reminder that There Comes a Time When You Have to Learn to Let Go.