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 2-Year Old

It has been such a long time ago when I last spent time, lived and communicated with a two-year old. Indeed, spending time with a two-year old can be both refreshing and inspiring.

When my 2-year old grandson wakes up from his sleep in the morning or afternoon nap from the crib, he would stand by the rail with his hands outstretched and utter "Carry! Carry!" Of course, he would not be disappointed. That's "Trust".

Sometimes in the midst of watching his TV program and for no apparent reason, he would get up, go and grasp his toy guitar and then pass the toy tambourine to his grandpa. With his little hands "strumming" the guitar and jumping, he yells "Dancing ! Dancing !". That's "Hang Loose and Enjoy Life to Its Fullest".

In the children playground, he would hit his palm on the sand to create an imprint and then yell with such enthusiastic joy "Hand! Hand!". That's "Happiness can be Found in the Least Expected Simple Things".

Sometimes, in the midst of playing all his toys and making merry, he would suddenly stop and say "TV! TV!". The TV is then turned on and he is then totally focused to it. That's "Sometimes, You Have to Stop from All the Business in Life and Focus on What is Really Important!".

When he finally succeeds in making a deposit in the potty after numerous attempts, he would yell with his two hands raised "Hooray! Hooray!". That's "Celebrate when You have Achieved What You Set Out to Do".

Occasionally, he would run to grandpa holding his only Chinese book and pass on urging "Bubbles! Bubbles!". He wants to turn to the page showing a young boy chasing the many little bubbles blew up by the mother. That's "Creating Beautiful Memories that Last a Lifetime!".

Sometimes, when the adults are busy preparing stuff on the kitchen table and he is too short to have a view of the activities, he would call up, "See! See!" and he would be carried and offered the view. That's "Sometimes, Things in Life Will Not be Given to You in a Plate, You have to Ask, Demand and even Issue Ultimatum!".

He loves to drink from a water bottle though this is not encouraged for a 2-year old. When he finishes, he would ask "Some More! Some More!". That's "Don't Give Up when Opportunity is Still Available!".

When grandpa held onto the trolley just in case he might not be able to handle it. He would push grandpa's hand away from the trolley and say "No! No!". That's "There is a Time When You have to Learn to Let Go".