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