1.20.11

Rollie Reyes texted me early today to say that he was surprised to find the daily updates on my blog.

Truly, there is the tendency to be slothful in writing due to stress and age. But the commitment to write again at the beginning of the year – write short and even uneventful notes but write nevertheless – is a good motivation.

I remember one time when Rollie, out of the excitement of the heart, announced my blogsite to a few friends and I was too apprehensive afterwards that I immediately reacted. It was so foolish of me. But I still like to maintain the privacy of my thoughts to a very small round of dear, dear friends.

Last night, the message at the service was “What is Good to Do in this Short Life?” based on Ecclesiastes. Again, it was good to be reminded to minimize pain and maximize pleasure and happiness, to do good and to enjoy life.

I realize of late that coming to terms with the inevitable passage of time, therefore age, has been an easy route for me. I account this for the fact, perhaps, that I never missed much on fun when I was much younger. Prior to turning 40, I think I had experienced what most young people at their peak live through, both printable and unprintable. And therefore now, I only need to look back and savor the best memories of the good old days. And nights, too!


REFLECTIONS
Exodus 14-17

Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

The spectacular parting of the Red Sea.
Recent documentaries show how scientifically this was possible, but wouldn’t it be just nice to believe that the sea really parted because Moses raised his staff?
Come to think of it – it is highly unlikely that a whole chapter of song (Exodus 15) could be written for a fictional, even legend-ary account!

The Grumblers and the Quail and Manna
Receiving God’s grace day by day.
Exodus 16:18
He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.

The Lord is my Banner: Lifting Hands to God
Exodus 17:11-12
As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.

Father, remind me not to grumble about things that come my way, especially the bad ones. You have brought me this far and there is no way I will ever turn back. Teach me to appreciate all of what you are to me.