2024 Year End Reflection

Time seems to pass with startling speed once you reach the age of 70. Before you know it, 2024 is drawing to a close. As always, this is a moment to pause, reflect and count our blessings before stepping into a new year - God willing!

This year, I received the sad news that two of my high school classmates and two friends from my University College Christian Fellowship have passed on. Just a few days ago on 07.12.2024, I also learned that another friend from the University College Christian Fellowship has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is now undergoing treatment. 

On the international stage, we have also lost several iconic figures: the renowned Taiwanese author, Chiung Yao; celebrated Chinese singer-songwriter, Liu Jia Chang, and English actress, Maggie Smith, best known to many as Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter films.

These losses are sobering reminders of the finite nature of life. The reality of mortality grows ever nearer with each passing year!

Yet even in these twilight years, there are bright spots - perhaps even more precious because of their contrast to the sorrow. One of the greatest blessings is the deepening bond within our immediate family: between us and our children, and now between us and our grandchildren. I am grateful to see my children doing well, and I take great joy in watching my four grandchildren grow in both age and maturity. 

At this stage of our lives, close friends are increasingly important. They offer empathy, emotional support and a deep understanding rooted in shared history and life experiences. These friendships are a comfort and a strength especially during challenging times.

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During my recent trip to Singapore, I was especially encouraged by my granddaughter Livvie's remarkable growth - in both intellect and confidence. At just over seven years old, she confidently led us from home to the nearest bus stop, knew exactly where to get off, and then guided us to the shopping mall we were headed to. It was a simple journey, but her independence and awareness were deeply heartening. Moments like these shine brightly amid the fading years. 

Livvie was awarded bronze medal for good character/behavior in her class.

My other granddaughter Maddie, the younger sister of Livvie is a buddle of joy. No longer just a quiet follower, she is blossoming into a spirited little individual with a strong will of her own. Every now and then, she does manage to test her older sister's patience - but always in a way only a younger sibling can!

Maddie was selected to speak on behalf of her Kindy class to
welcome parents who came for the year-end school concert.

Another delightful surprise comes from my other granddaughter, Grace in Australia. Recently, she campaigned enthusiastically at school and was successfully elected as the Captain of her Sport Team - a testament to her determination and unyielding spirit. She's proven to be quite the athlete: a excellent runner and long jumper. Her proudest moments so far has been winning first place in the 100m race in the inter-school sport in WA - a remarkable achievement for a Year 5 (Primary 5) student!

My only grandson, Nathan is doing well in Year 8 (Form 2) at his college. Despite a demanding school schedule, he still finds time to pursue his interest in music - particularly guitar playing and attends taekwondo lessons as well. His ability to balance such a heavy workload while excelling in both academics and extracurricular activities is truly impressive! 

Nathan's mom called them the Four Musketeers.

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These days, our WhatsApp chats are flooded with short videos from various gurus offering advice on how to live better lives. They speak about heathy living, regular exercises, being more forgiving and generous, and maintaining close connections with friends. The list is endless. These are all positive habits that are especially valuable for seniors to embrace.

For me, two things stand out as paramount: good health and a sharp mind. Having physical health without mental clarity can make life feel strange and disorientating, like living in a world that no longer feels familiar. Conversely, a sharp mind without physical mobility can be equally discouraging. Even Apostle John in his greeting in 3 John 1:2 wrote: "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well". 

Indeed, good health - both physical and mental is paramount!

To stay healthy, my wife and I still make an effort to cycle regularly - at least once a week. We picked up cycling in April 2017 after attending a talk on its benefits at one of the Golden Joy Gatherings. However, we have noticed that with time, longer cycling routes are becoming more physically demanding. Recognizing this, we added another form of exercise to our routine starting this April: regular walks around our housing estate. It's a gentler but equally beneficial way to stay active.

Talk on 06.04.2017

April 2017 - when we first started cycling under the tutorship of George Ng.

As I grow older and experience the gradual decline of instant memory, I find it increasingly challenging to recall or recite Bible verses. Yet, I take comfort in the words of 1 John 3:18, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth". While it is admirable to be able to quote Scripture readily, what truly matters is living out those verses in our lives. Afterall, our true "Christian uniform" is not the words we speak but the way we live - our actions and lifestyle that others can see.

Even so, it remains important to keep the mind sharp and engaged. One way I do this is by writing blogs - a habit I began in February 2005, encouraged by my daughter, Serene. Nearly two decades later, I have written 1,046 blog posts - averaging about one per week. Through these entries, I document my travels, cherished moments with my family in Malaysia and abroad, time spent with my grandchildren and friends, and reflections on people who have left a meaningful impact on my life. 

Blogging also serves as a valuable way to preserve photographs that hold precious memories. Once uploaded, there is no risk of them being lost or misplaced - they are easily accessible with a tap on the smartphone or a click of a mouse.

I am grateful I took up the challenge of reading through the entire New Testaments and Psalm during the 40-day period leading to Malaysia Day on 16.09.2024. It was both spiritually enriching and personally fulfilling. I believe those in the CG who joined this challenge were equally blessed. Engaging in such commitments from time to time is a valuable way to cultivate personal discipline and deepen our walk with God.

For me, the journey of learning should never end. The recent implementation of a paperless parking system by the local authorities, while forward-thinking, initially caused confusion and resistance - especially among seniors. Yet, change is inevitable. Progress often comes with discomfort, and adapting to new ways of doing things is simply part of life.

On a broader scale, peace remains elusive in many parts of the world in 2024. In this context, I am reminded of the angelic proclamation to the shepherds at Jesus' birth in Bethlehem recorded in Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests". And again, after the resurrection, Jesus greeted his fearful disciples with these reassuring words in John 20:19 - "Peace be with you!". 

Peace is indeed at the heart of  Christ's message of salvation. As we look forward to 2025, my hope is that peace will finally come to Gaza, West Bank, Ukraine and Sudan - regions where far too many innocent lives have been lost. Just days ago on 08.12.2024, the Assad Regime in Syria fell. Whether this marks a new turning point for good or not remains uncertain. Many governments in the Middle East have changed hands, yet peace continues to evade these lands.

On a personal level, I pray that each of us may find peace within ourselves and with those around us - both far and near.

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas! May the peace and favour of God rest upon each one of us!