My First Semester

So here I am at the end of the semester. Finished my finals, finished all my papers, finished all the required readings. Enjoying this moment I am spending with an old friend, not wanting to think about the other things on my to-do list.
I’m exactly where I want to be, doing what I want to do, watching time pass me by and having no urge to seize it- what other pleasures could one have in life.

It seems a little indulgent and self-absorbed talking about my little world given all the generation-defining events that had happened over the past month. There was the royal wedding of Kate & William- I liked her dresses, the very exciting Singapore General Elections- I never dreamed that any GRCs close to me would “fall into the hands of the opposition”, and the killing of Osama bin Laden- I cannot understand why people would want pictures and videos of that. CRAZY.

These headlines provided a touch stone for a world out there beyond the compounds of Trinity. More significant than the flapping of the butterfly’s wings, they should demand more contemplation lest a tempest should take me by surprise- but it is not now.
Now is the moment I want to reflect and process, forbidding that the semester should pass me by without this cathartic exercise. Crystallizing some convictions that I have come to own in a not-very exciting manner-

• We know a person by what he does. We do not know God’s ways without His stories. His stories unfold His roles and character. And this is the beauty of Biblical Theology. By tracing God’s work and hand through His-Story, we really get to know what He is like. And it is so exciting getting to know Him not by a neat package of ideas (Systematic Theology has its place), but slowly through time by observing and watching Him do the things He do. I pray that I will be more disciplined to apply Biblical Theology when doing Bible Study in the future.

• To listen actively and empathy is the foundation- not just of counseling, but of communication. There is no need for self-disclosure, and self-disclosure does not help. So many talk more than they listen, I pray that I will be a good helper for His sake!

• I have several personality traits that may be conflicting, but they also help balance each other out. I found myself confusing in the past, but no more apologies for the good range of personalities so I can draw on the different “selves” at different times for strength. Thank YOU Lord!

• Those suffering from addictions cannot control themselves- they need the counselor’s unconditional positive regard to help them hope. I pray that I can provide a safe environment for those who are struggling in any issue, so that help can come.

• To love wisdom and pursue it.

This is pretty much in a nutshell the journey I have been taking this semester. Looking forward to the next one :)