Friday, February 23, 2007
Angbaos and Blessings
I felt pretty ashamed of myself when I finally got down to opening and counting my angbaos last night. When people jokingly referred to the annual "harvest", I had simply shrugged and told them that I "bled" more than I received this year. While the intention of giving (to thank the parents and grandparents for bringing me up) was good, the heart wasn't exactly willing. So imagine my guilt as I counted to find that I profited overall. Grandpa even gave me back what I gave him, in addition to the mandatory amount he gives every year.
It set me thinking, why do we always think that God, or even other ppl for that matter, should be anybody's debtor? We serve Him and our neighbours and inwardly grumble, thinking we give more than we receive. And of course I am not saying that this isn't true all the time. Yes, we drudge about thankless tasks in this world, sometimes more often than we care to remember. But think about the manifold blessings that we so often forget!
I sometimes grumble, complaining that I spent a year doing an honours degree, but end up earning lesser than my peers, especially those over at the dark side. But in my saner moments I recall how much God has blessed me, especially as I do not have to worry about repaying my tuition loan, or even support my family. I never worry where my next meal is coming from and I always have more than enough for little frivolities.
So, in the true spirit of Chinese New Year mixed with the heart of Christ, lets give willingly, as the Lord has given. 心想事成，万事如意 for the remaining of the Chinese New Year celebration!
It set me thinking, why do we always think that God, or even other ppl for that matter, should be anybody's debtor? We serve Him and our neighbours and inwardly grumble, thinking we give more than we receive. And of course I am not saying that this isn't true all the time. Yes, we drudge about thankless tasks in this world, sometimes more often than we care to remember. But think about the manifold blessings that we so often forget!
I sometimes grumble, complaining that I spent a year doing an honours degree, but end up earning lesser than my peers, especially those over at the dark side. But in my saner moments I recall how much God has blessed me, especially as I do not have to worry about repaying my tuition loan, or even support my family. I never worry where my next meal is coming from and I always have more than enough for little frivolities.
So, in the true spirit of Chinese New Year mixed with the heart of Christ, lets give willingly, as the Lord has given. 心想事成，万事如意 for the remaining of the Chinese New Year celebration!
Labels: Saya Affairs
// posted by Jenn @ 12:19 PM 
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