This time last year

Joshua has an elephant memory. One of his favorite hobbies is to remind me of what we did, where we were this time last year/ week/ month...etc. I marvel at his great memory.

This afternoon, as I was talking to him, once again he reminded me what we did exactly this time last year and how August 2007 had been an eventful month for him. Gosh. It suddenly dawned on me how fast time flies. I am already in August 2008.

Thinking back, many things have happened ever since last August.

This time last year I was still the Children Ministry Administrative staff, very much clueless of my future. This time last year, I didn’t know that I will be assuming the post for the Youth Intern for ISCA, let alone enrolling ,myself in MBTS to further my studies.

This time last year, I had friends who were very close to me, treating me as their brother and friend. But not anymore. On the contrary, this time last year, I also had friends whom I barely knew but now ended up being very close.

This time last year, I remember visiting Ian at the hospital with Marcus and Joshua, holding his hand, assuring him that we will walk this difficult journey together. Ian passed away shortly after that. It has been a year ever since. I take comfort knowing that he is in heaven now, enjoying the embrace of our Heavenly Father.

This time last year, Marcus, Oon Feng and Jeremiah had to go through a tough time coping with Ian’s death. I know it’s painful to bear the fact that your classmate who used to play and fool around with you is no longer here; especially at this tender young age. I thank God for carrying them through this tough time.

This time last year, Joshua was down with denque. I remember sitting with him outside the clinic, waiting for his turn to see the doctor. It was very disheartening to see how an energetic, bubbly brother of mine suddenly became so weak and restless. I see how he summoned all his energy just to sit up on the bench. Thank God for His healing grace. Joshua is back to normal in no time.

But life goes on. All these this time last year taught me one thing; that time and tide waits for no men. Seize the day and make the best out of it. Treasure your friends and your loved ones as if there is no more this time next year. Serve God as if there is no this time next year. Study as is there is no this time next year. Do it today and do it now.

I can’t change the things that have happened this time last year and I don’t know what is in store this time next year, but I know I will do what I can today, and make the best out of it.