After the storm

Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things that i cannot change, the courage to change the things i can and the wisdom to know the difference.

This quote came to mind after the weekend and coming back to work today. My friends were discussing about catching up on things they haven't achieve and reflecting on the mistakes they made. And i shared this quote. I guess life's too short to keep thinking of past regrets. the actions we take today determine the person we are tomorrow.

When we consider what we don't have, we don't have anything. When we consider what we have, we have everything --> a reminder to count my blessings!

My life chapters seem to have endings that i didn't expect. Last week, one chapter ended and on reflection now, i'm amused at how it finished. at one point, it was not a pleasant encounter but looking back now, perhaps it had worked out for the best.

There is a time for everything. A season for everything under the sun -- King Solomon

The weekend in Penang was a reminder of how serving others brought more satisfaction than just considering my own self interest. I was helping a friend to run an absailing programme for a group of youth from church. it was raining so the activity didn't manage to be completed. But i had fun nonetheless. the kids made me feel like i was 13 again! :) the same friend will be conducting a 6-month outdoor programme for Salvation Army in Penang from June onwards, and tentatively i've given my commitment to help out.

It would be demanding on my side since i'll be working on at least one Saturday every month but i hope that by volunteering, i'll learn something in the process. besides, it's been a long time since i serve in a Christian ministry and this is a good opportunity to get involved again. well, we'll see how it goes. no point planning too far ahead since most of the time i'm caught by suprise at how things turned out. i guess i've learned my lesson of trying to be too in control.

This week started with a pleasant surprise in the form of a positive feedback from a colleague, that reaffirmed my work performance. it spurred me to want to be better and to continue to enhance my skills. the friendship of my colleagues are the added bonus to my job :) finally i feel the sun is beginning to shine again on my side after weeks of storm ...