How much is enough?

A picture of a rice field in Sameang, Chiang Mai. 

Today I had a long conversation with a senior female friend. In Thai we call "Pee Sao" this mean I see her as my elder sister (a non-biological one).  It has been quite long since we last talked. Both of us have changed during the years and we both noticed and acknowledged how time have shaped both of us. We chatted about our lives and how we were doing. One of the interesting topic was her small complain about how busy and stress she was in doing various works and projects (she has her own small women garment shop, now has a small farm and is active in the local community co-op). Thank you God. For the opposite as a theological student on summer break, waiting for a visa to do internship aboard I was more than vacant to talk to her for almost an hour.

Honestly, I really think it is good for people to be serious with their job. This mean to really put effort into what they are doing but it doesn't mean you fall into obsession, stress or depression.

The point here is how much is enough? The line is mostly drawn by each individual experience or measure. In the Thai mindset which is based on the motto "ตนเป็นที่พึ่งแห่งตน" (one is him/her self reliance) the concept of self support, self achievement, self realization is attached deeply in our heads. And as a Christian, who rely on God the question is how much effort should we put into what we are doing? Does it really matter? Since God has his plan for us and everything is within God' will and timing. This concept of dependence still ring alerts in my tiny Thai head. As an average Thai citizen growing up a "everything is a result of your action" orientated society. Yes! I do know that they are Thais that blame pass (previous life) Karma for their misfortune but for the good it is yourself that made the path or diligence is the way out of poverty. You must study hard, work hard, push yourself to the limit to be successful and have a good life. In the end we Thai might be considered as "humanist" so the concept of dependence on God does confuse my mind.

My beloved teacher loves icons

One of my beloved Acharn (Teacher) in seminary told me that in the New Testament. All of Jesus miracles were results of a cooperation between humans and the divine Jesus. Humans had for even though a small part such as preparing the water, gathering the food or just simply caring out but all those simply tiny things matter. God's work with us is like a covenant, it requires both sides. Even though God might have the bigger part in it we humans still have to contribute on our half as well.

So how much is our best and how much is pushing too hard? When do we cross the line of depending on ourselves more than God?

I simply replied to my sister that if your best effort has a negative effect among others that means your crossed the line. If you work so hard to the point that you do not have time or you get moody while with your love ones then that mean you overdue yourself or if you drive your coworkers into anger that is also a sign of overdoing and that is when you have to slow down, put your foot of the paddle and knee down to pray and trust God that he will provide and now is working to help you on his will and way.

That is doing our best.

Mission trip planing

Today our team had our last meeting before the mission trip on Thursday.  The plan is yet finalized but all the kids are quite understanding and willing to move forward.  I am blessed to ne with them. I truly feel unworthy to be call as a leader since their faith is much stronger than myself.  Praise God for his sovereign and guidance. 

Also thank you for Justin for joining the trip. Today again we had a good lunch together.

And in the evening I had dinner with Fon and went shopping for a new mobile phone since her phone had just broke down. 

Thank God for today.  Also for the nice chat with Acharn Oan about the IS.

Jasmine and painting

We drop by at Acharn Hendrie's house to give him a Jasmine tree since in our last conversation he talked about how it was so easy to find flowers in Holland compare to Thailand. So I got the ideal to let him grow some Thai flowers in his garden. Adriana seems to be very pleased by our gift. They offer tea and cakes to us as they took turn in getting their children to bed. We spend almost 2 hours talking. We enjoyed the cultural exchange of how we see things. It was very interesting, educating and enjoyably. Fon received a photo book of Rembrandt works. One thing I learn is that the Dutch are very nationalist. 

What a lovely evening with good people.  

1st church historical hall

Today I had the opportunity to be the host for the church historical hall. We had some visiting junior high students visiting our church to to do there school assignment. I have to thanks the new interior design, which had great details I did not have to do much work. The students could do their own survey. I think they were quite interested with the history of our church, how Rev. Mcgilvary and the early missionaries laid the foundation for religious freedom, education and medical institute. History if presented in the right way can be a joyful subject for people of all age.  

Light of the workplace - Christmas worship service at Dara Academy 2014

Teachers of various departments sing anthem 

Last evening I had the opportunity to escort my mother to Dara Academy's Christmas worship service, well actually it's my main responsibility as my her driver : ). This was my first time to participate in this service so it was quite special for me but it must have been more important for the one i'm driving for. My mother after serving as a teacher and the principle for more than thirty years, she now attends as a retired teacher. I have changed jobs and visited my previous workplace for various occasions and for each single time it felt differently but I could not imagine my mother's feelings last night. Visiting her former workplace where she spent most her career serving. Perhaps a mixture of joy, relief, longing or even regret was erupting inside her heart. An exclusive sensation only for those baby boomer, whose loyalty belongs to only one organization through out their working lives. Such a  practice no longer exist in the current self center World. People in at least my generation (I am in the middle of X and Y) promptly leave their post when ever a better offer is propose. Some may consider this professionalism as we can see in modern commercial sports, teams trade their players like stocks. It is an exercise of optimization and effectiveness but in contrary it is also an execution of dedication and empathy. 

Anyway time pass and the World changes, every generations have their tasks to achieve and challenge to overcome but where ever we as Christian are placed, we must be the light of God as the last night sermon emphasized. Christmas is about love and God's grace and we must pass on such love and grace to others who are around us. Ironically many so called Christians have did the opposite to their colleagues and conducts such act that resembles those who scold Jesus in his last day before the cross. In any workplace or phase of life we are in our purpose in Christ is to be the light of God to others that include those unlikable people in our workplace. A mission so hard that most of us unconsciously try to ignore. The good news is Christmas will always be there to reminds us of this timeless mission. So let the Christmas season not only be a season of gifts and joy. May it also be a time to remind ourselves reignite ourselves the light of love and let it burn brightly through out the coming year. 

Mathew 5:15-16 "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven".

2014 AFF Championship and Reconciliation

The Thai National team win the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014

The 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup meant a lot for us Thais. It was our first championship from a twelve year absent. The win sparked the national football fever and granted a legendary status to the team's coach, Police Lieutenant Kiatisuk "Zico" Senamuang. Whose journey started from a remote village footballer into 15 years of playing service for the national team and now the head coach of a young and winning Thai team.   

Kiatisuk Senamuang
Now a legendary player and coach

More over from such hype what I found new is the interaction between internet users from most the tournament's participation countries. When ever the AFF cup's official YouTube channel posted a video of matches played, then comments section would be flooded with bluffs starting from the funny appreciations to harsh insults. Interestingly many Thai social website posted selected translations of some of the comments written by our neighbors. Most of them were nice and touching but some provoked the extreme hardcore which stared a long going debate and cyber bullying, in the end some people were asking for "Peace and Love" among these ASEAN web users. I personally was happy to see how technology helped us to freely communicate with our neighbor countries (It took weeks for a post card in the old days) but also felt sad of how many treat such blessing with out care.

Diversity is something that we have to accept. I am studying Theology in a class mixed with various nationalities, religious background and denominations. The Class had and will continue to have debates but up until now I have learned to accept these differences opinions. This reminds me of my pastor's sermon during this year's Candle light Christmas about "Reconciliation". You can reach reconciliation only if you have learned how to accept diversity. A practice of learning how to lean towards the thoughts of others (which might be irritating to you) while standing firm in yours.   

This 2014 AFF cup did started an AEC community and hopefully it will be a smooth transition while we learn and accept other cultures (not only the food) from our neighboring countries. Learn to love things that we might hate because in the end we are all sinful humans. 

2 Corinthians 5:19-21
19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Note: Pictures are from www.thenationmultimedia.com

The unknown missionary

 

Acharn Austin House sermon about the unknown missionary.

Acts 11:19-26

20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

The unknown name missionaries

The story about Kru Chai Ma as he went to Laos to evangelize the Kamu people and was successful he came back to Thailand and star in the movie Chang. Later he went back to Laos but due to loneliness he committed adultery in 1915 he came back to Nan and confessed to the missionary and the reconcile with the church, which also confess that they did not take care and prepare him well enough as they sent him to be their alone. They both forgive and was forgiven. That was the true meaning of the gospel

The truth is we are weak as human and need God to empower us. We must recognize our sin and keep hold on our faith. Even though we sin we must not stop our relationship with God. Be humble there is no loosening face with God.