Today, 11 October, is a very special day for me -it is on this day SEVEN years ago, I made a decision that I have never regretted. I chose to serve fulltime as a volunteer in India. Looking back to the time, I chose to do so - I still smile at the varying degrees of shock and bafflement from my family, many friends and relatives all over the world at my seemingly illogical decision. Many did not believe I could last even 3 months in India...they obviously knew me well - as I was at that point of time in my life. Till then, my Iife seemed to be always on the fast lane of life's highway, I loved city life and I was used to a certain comfortable lifestyle. Most of all I was very, very focussed on my career path since a college student. It is little wonder many did not think I had it in me to make this drastic change of being a fulltime volunteer in a Catholic mission.
So when someone like me says that I am giving it all up to work in a Catholic mission run by priests without knowing what I would actually do and to adjust to community life in a village in India, it is too much of a stretch for most people to believe I could survive the differences. I distinctly remember some of my cousins telling me they were sure I would be back in Singapore in 3 months - "There is no way you can survive more than 3 months, Susan. We know you, our cousin. You can never give up your lifestyle or your career. You can never live quietly in India without your constant business travels."
So when someone like me says that I am giving it all up to work in a Catholic mission run by priests without knowing what I would actually do and to adjust to community life in a village in India, it is too much of a stretch for most people to believe I could survive the differences. I distinctly remember some of my cousins telling me they were sure I would be back in Singapore in 3 months - "There is no way you can survive more than 3 months, Susan. We know you, our cousin. You can never give up your lifestyle or your career. You can never live quietly in India without your constant business travels."
Well, this is where I freely admit it is ONLY due to God's Grace that I have had these seven life-enriching years. I truly have seen God's Promise fulfilled - "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." (2 Corinthians 12:9) There is no way I could still be here without God's Grace and infinite Love and Patience with me.
Looking back, I can smile about some of the difficult and different changes I faced -difference in expectations, work styles and just major cultural differences that at times drove me crazy! I would wonder how on earth I ended up being here doing this work. It was never in my life's plan. Of course, it did not seem remotely humorous when it was all happening. I have finally learnt to be 'still' in my heart despite the busyness of my work here and to allow God's gentle promptings to lead and guide me in how I try to live for Him. It is not about rushing to do my will but to patiently learn to discern what is God's Will in what I should do and how I do it.
Looking back, I can smile about some of the difficult and different changes I faced -difference in expectations, work styles and just major cultural differences that at times drove me crazy! I would wonder how on earth I ended up being here doing this work. It was never in my life's plan. Of course, it did not seem remotely humorous when it was all happening. I have finally learnt to be 'still' in my heart despite the busyness of my work here and to allow God's gentle promptings to lead and guide me in how I try to live for Him. It is not about rushing to do my will but to patiently learn to discern what is God's Will in what I should do and how I do it.
I have really learnt of God's all-encompassing Love and Forgiveness from the Vincentian Fathers in this retreat centre in the inspiring way they carry our their extremely hectic priestly ministry. It is not about only working with people who have real talents and skills or having all the needed financial resources but to accept that in God's Plan, He often seems to make baffling choices or sets out seemingly impossible mission goals. Yet when it is all done in prayer trusting Him, the results are always incredibly blessed! So I am learning to accept and understand God's Ways are definitely not that of my limited human mind or human wisdom.
Well, it is a seven years today and I am glad to say that this ONE decision is the best one I have ever made in my life! These years have been the most blessed, challenging and fulfilling years of my life - I know I am not the same person who said "Yes" to fulltime ministry work in 2004. Just being a tiny part of the Divine ministry has changed my heart and my life. The power of FAITH and the power of PRAYER can and will achieve miracles. I am still learning every day to trust God in all things unconditionally - both big and small.
What have I really learnt in answering God's Call? It is about what God wants of each of us as we live our Christian mission for Him...
We need to be joyful so that not only do we dare to carry our crosses to follow Jesus, we are also His Ambassadors and His Light to the world. People should feel when they are with us that they tangibly experience the Glory and Joy of our Lord. That is something intrinsic in us when we surrender and trust God. I want to choose to live in the Joy of the Lord! Do people hear the joy in our voices, see it in our smiles and in our eyes? Do they feel lighter and joyful in their hearts from having spent time with us? My morning prayer every day is - “Today is the best day of my life. I will be joyful and nothing will get me down. Joy is my gift to God.” There are days when this daily prayer offering seems really difficult but I still try and that is what matters - not giving up. After all, if God's Glory is upon you and me and over all the earth - is that not what others should see in us – Christians?
We need to be joyful so that not only do we dare to carry our crosses to follow Jesus, we are also His Ambassadors and His Light to the world. People should feel when they are with us that they tangibly experience the Glory and Joy of our Lord. That is something intrinsic in us when we surrender and trust God. I want to choose to live in the Joy of the Lord! Do people hear the joy in our voices, see it in our smiles and in our eyes? Do they feel lighter and joyful in their hearts from having spent time with us? My morning prayer every day is - “Today is the best day of my life. I will be joyful and nothing will get me down. Joy is my gift to God.” There are days when this daily prayer offering seems really difficult but I still try and that is what matters - not giving up. After all, if God's Glory is upon you and me and over all the earth - is that not what others should see in us – Christians?
I do not know what lies ahead as I go into my 7th year in ministry but God definitely holds the Master Plan of my life...and the YouTube music video "Trust His Heart" with music and words by Eddie Carswell and Babbie Mason sums up my trust in Jesus to know what is best for me - even when I do not understand!
