Work / Play

"Turn my work into worship and my play into an enjoyment of Your blessings".

Read this for quiet time this morning, and it helps to illustrate how every aspect of life should be directed toward and oriented around God. Because of the line that divides my work and play, this sentence is a reminder of that in all things, we can glorify God. :)

Drudgery

A few minutes in and I already miss the chaos. A few hours in and I long for the early morning crow of rooster roosters, the faint smell of smoke that lingers everywhere, the noise from a jeep's tambucho, and telephone lines going haywire above.

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Quality Time

Finally finished Christmas shopping today amidst the mad rush in the malls this weekend. No one knows the word "chaos" better than Filipinos, be it in the Department stores (especially the "ukay ukay" sections) or when driving on the roads. Instead of feeing at home, that's mostly what I see whenever I'm out. Chaotic electric cables with excess wire hanging in large loops on poles. Chaotic traffic- think 6 out of 8 lanes trying to make a U-turn. Chaotic people- someone losing some $350 in a dressing room and causing a scene (but that is kind of understandable).

Amidst the chaos I am already tired of (have we really only been here 6 days?!), today was a good day. Like I said, we finished Christmas shopping and I am happy with all the presents I've bought. My wallet, however, doesn't share the same sentiments. I forgot to bring some of my cash over and have been relying on money from parents/reliable sister who has hoarded huge sums of pesos over the years (i spent mine. Or converted, probably. :p). But given all the things I've bought, compared to how much I would've spent buying that in Singapore, I have enough to be thankful for!

Christmas is in 3 days! I heard from my mum that we'll be having 2 Christmas lunches at relatives places, but no Christmas dinners! I guess it will be a quiet affair at home, which I guess... I have become more than familiar with! To a small extent I am upset there is nothing "big" planned, but to a large extent I am learning to be grateful. Blessings are everywhere, and God has been opening my eyes to the wonders of Christmas story through small reminders from the people around me. Just today at the bookstore, I was browsing through a bunch of Christmas cards. With the selection, I probably could have stocked up on cards for all occasions, if I had more time. Anyway, I was at the Christmas section which categorised cards for a Dad, Mum, Son, Daughter, Aunt, etc. In particular, I looked at the ones for "Sweetheart". Some of them were pretty good and I really wanted to get some and send them to Abraham, but I don't have his address wherever in Europe he'll be on Christmas and I'm betting the postal service here is characterised as chaotic as well, anyway. My Dad then came over, looking for a card for my mum and so I showed him the "Sweetheart" section. After plucking out a couple from the card stand and stuffing them back in, he said they seemed like Valentine cards and weren't at all about Christmas. True enough, a second glance made me realise they were just love letters with a "Merry Christmas, Darling" or "With lots of love this Christmas" printed boldly at the bottom of the inner page. One cover (i only remember 2) showed a picture of a couple kissing and wearing winter clothes. If you place it elsewhere on the card rack, it could have probably sold too. Another plainer cover one showed a bauble with the words "Forever" in it. How does that say anything about Christmas? I'm not faulting these talented copywriters (i sometimes wish I work for Hallmark) for celebrating the love between partners and helping them express it during this particular season, but it raises the point about what message we want to send. Is Christmas just about telling your loved ones how much they mean to you?

I'm certain that it is so much more than that! God sent his one and only Son from the most peaceful place in heaven into our chaotic world to save us, the greatest act of love that ever took place. That is the message of Christmas that I want the world to know! Christmas is indeed a time to celebrate love, but first and foremost we must celebrate the love that came down to Earth on that Christmas morn. :)

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