yeowch

The gift of reading

Currently I'm reading an astonishing book (second to the Bible though of course): called 'The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor" by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor. It astonishes me because it puts into words so much of what i've been trying to seek, and express and experience all at once, all this time. This record of a man who gave up everything to respond to God's calling, is amazing. It's goaded me into a deeper shame of my current state of sin and helplessness. It's opened my eyes to a God that is too wonderful for my puny imagination to comprehend, yet as accessible as the next prayer, as loving as a million hearts of the most loving fathers in one. He should be the secret behind every good thing others might see in me, and in the coming days, i pray this (by His grace) will come true.

I say days because I do not want to presume that I'll be here very long. 'What is.. life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away' - James 4:14.

Given the wonderful length of days with which my deferment has now afforded me, I am presently, engaged in reading, writing and finding ways to reach the unsaved. It has strengthened me in so many ways to now be able to read my bible without the thought of neverending piles of assignments waiting to engulf me with all its fruitless distractions. As such, many interests that have withered in the course of routine, wearying anticipations have now revived. I've got notes on piano playing, and am looking forward to learning how to play. My great hope is to learn a few beautiful hymns and of course, learning to read music is like reading the most sublime language on earth. Even singing thrills my soul no less.

Another occupation is knitting. I've learnt to knit a beret now thanks to Barbara's help, and hope to make a few of those. I'll try and embark on other projects the moment i feel confident in this tricky little crusade. Knitting is not for the impatient i tell you!

And yet another occupation (and one that takes up by far most of my time) is reading. I've been reading almost 2 books a week now! And that is on top of my bible reading, catching up on Chinese through my beautiful CHNS textbook, doing my course in Physical Therapy, plus chem and maths revision awaiting me! Of course, i was hit with that initial sluggishness which accompanies long disuse of a particular faculty i.e. reading for enjoyment as opposed to reading for the sake of analysis afterward.. but now after devouring book after book, i hope to make it a habit of at least 2 a week and hence be thoroughly warmed up for next year's onslaught of uni texts.

Driving lessons are coming on slowly. Kind Barbara has let me drive on Sundays usually, after Sunday School kids are dropped off. Her encouragement and quiet faith has been such a help to me. The Lord was too gracious when He gave me her precious gift of friendship. I can't thank Him enough.

So much I want to say, but that the firstfruits of my thoughts (not that they are much) are wanting to be given to the One that is always with me, and sustains me in every way. It is the substance of my life now, to find out what pleases my heavenly Father and do his will. I feel it is the next chapter of another pivotal phase in my life. I am coming into a deeper consciousness of who the Lord is, and this will no doubt entail the trial of my faith in more ways than one.

posted by "/umin @ 2:20 PM