Occupied

Yesterday was Valentines’ Day. I got an sms from my married friend FY asking how I was doing and how I was celebrating V’s Day.

Funny, I knew it was V’s Day and yet I didn’t take make much of a deal of it. I remember the years past when I would mope around for the fact that I didn’t have that special someone. I don’t think it’s only because I’ve gotten older (although that’s true).

I thought to myself how happy I am. And I wondered how I got this way. Then I thought…

When we have life and the health to enjoy it
When we have a friend to journey with in life
When we have meaningful work and the strength to do it
When we have money and possessions and the ability to enjoy them
When we have a decent meal in front of us, and can enjoy the smell and taste of it

There was an old man who wrote at the end of his life:
He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

My heart is occupied…
with God
with gladness

God’s wonderful family

The players… this is going to get a bit complicated… but it’s a wonderful picture of God BIG family all over the world.

Angel, Singaporean
Au, Filipina in Singapore
Arlene, Filipina in San Francisco
Ruth, European teaching in Bangkok
Belle, Filipina in Laos
Jo, American who worked in Singapore in the 70’s and who later worked in the Philippines and Hong Kong
Florence, Singaporean, good friend of American Jo when she was in Singapore

1996: Angel went to the Philippines to work. Jo who was at that time based in Hong Kong travelled often to visit Belle. During one of Jo’s trips to the Philippines, she decided to visit Florence’s friend Angel. Jo introduced Angel to Belle.

Some time late 1990s, Belle visited Singapore where Angel hosted her.

Early 2000: Arlene flew from the San Francisco to do a short stint voluntary service in the Philippines where she met Au.

2006: Au came to work in Singapore where she got to know Angel.
That same year, Angel did a short community service trip where she met Eurpoean RB.

2007: Ruth came from Europe to work with RB.

2007 September: Ruth needed to make a business trip to Singapore.
RB wrote to Angel asking her to help Ruth during her visit to Singapore. Ruth stayed at Angel’s home where she also got to know Au.

2007 September: Angel went to the US with her mum. Au wrote to Arlene in San Francisco to take care of them.

2007 October: Arlene and her sisters came to Singapore for a holiday. The sisters stayed with Angel’s mother. After Singapore, they went to Bangkok… and of course, it was arranged that Ruth would host them during their visit.

2008 February: Ruth needed to make a business trip to Laos. So no prizes for right answers… Angel wrote to Belle in Laos to look after Ruth.

Now Angel, Au and Ruth are planning a trip to the Philippines to meet Au’s family there…

I have not even mentioned others who are part of other stories like this one.

God’s family crosses race, countries, boundaries, cultures, language… Wow! I’m so glad I’m part of his family.