Finding God in the Marketplace of My School

I thank God for those sweet and thoughtful students I have;
They convince me of the glimmer of hope amidst disappointments, love amidst indifference.
They are the hands through which God embraces me in His love.

I thank God for those less wonderful, hardworking and brilliant students I have;
They highlight my limitations, and teach me patience, perseverance and compassion. 
They are the moulds in which God shapes my love for Him.

Today, I thank God for all of them, forgive those who have made life difficult, and pray for God's abundant blessings and guidance upon them.

Where is God in your life today?

2106h

Under a Big Tree

source

Have you ever had a person(s) in your life who was, to you, like a big tree? 

A person who gave shelter from the scorching Sun, one whose big broad branches gave good comforting shade, one who stays put where he is, well-grounded, like a tree rooted firmly to the ground and whenever you returned to that spot, you'd find him there, always there? One whose presence is non-threatening, easing and assuring, never putting pressure upon you, never expecting you to be any different from who you are at that moment? Always allowing you to come as you are, staying by you with unfailing support?

Have you ever shared a relationship with such a person who is likened to this big tree? 

What a blessing it is to have shared in such a God-given relationship.

Who, then, in our lives, can we now be that big tree to?

11.18pm

The Petrol Kiosk

Jesus has this thing about asking of people what is humanly impossible. 
He asks of us to renounce ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. Just as He emptied Himself of everything, we are called to empty ourselves too. To be detached from every attachment so as to attach ourselves completely to Him.
He says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light but more often than not, why do I find that it is heavier and far more difficult than what I can bear? At least... when I am running on self-fuel mode. 

Have you also encountered similar struggles? Stuck between having to let go and wanting to hold on? Stuck between wanting your way and knowing that you will have to eventually give in somehow? A tug-of-war between resisting and surrendering.

If surrender wins and we are off our "self-fuel" mode and onto "God-fuel" mode, then be sure that all graces necessary will be granted to aid us in whatever situation we are in. What was humanly impossible is made divinely possible. 

The question now is embedded in our choice - will I trust enough to surrender? To renounce, to follow, to bear the pain...? Will I really be alright not having my way?