It's Raining Leaves

Since my last posting on "Frog Race", I have been reminded several times that starting a race is easy but it takes commitment and perseverance to complete the race. When someone gives up half way, it is usually a combination of a few factors - frustration (lack of progress; there is still a long way to go), fatigue (I'm so tired, It's so cold outside), fear of opposition (they are mocking, ridiculing me!; threats and false accusations) and forgetful (lost sight of the vision, can't see the purpose in what I'm doing).

.

The four maple trees surrounding the house have been shedding their leaves; much faster than we can rake them. In the beginning, it was fun as we have never raked leaves before. But after a while, any task no matter how exciting it was initially can become routine and monotonous. Discouragement can easily set in when we feel tired, when we don't see any progress, and when our mind starts reminding us that it's futile because the ground will soon be covered with fallen leaves again!

When frustration sets in, giving up seems like the easier option. We can sit down and refuse to rake further. But no, we'll persevere for the rewards of work well done will be worth the effort. I reckon it will be another two weeks or so before the trees shed off their leaves completely. Until then, we will just keep on raking together as a couple and take it as our daily exercise. As the Amish people would say, "if all that life hands to you is scraps, then make a quilt out of them."

Tribute: Last weekend, our pastor, Dan Nold, asked us to consider those who have encouraged us in the past. Speakers of hope in our life. People, whom by their deeds and words, have shaped our lives. I have a number of persons on my list. At the top will be Brother Lawrence, my former principal at St John's Institution, KL. Although we never had any one-to-one encounter, it is incredible how much this old priest has impacted my life. Here are four inheritance I received from him - (1) one story "Hope of the Flowers", (2) one song, "Impossible Dream", (3) another song, "When You Look Back on Your Life", and (4) the art of reflection. Once, he made us stare at a picture for 10 mins in silent contemplation. And another 10 quiet mins looking at a leaf. The point of the exercise was that if we stared long enough, the picture and the leaf will speak to us! As a result, we learn to see and hear things which at first glance are missed. He taught us, instead of just listening to the music, to appreciate the lyrics! We grew to become more reflective people who have depth and character.
.
The chorus of the song "When You Look Back On Your Life, What will You See?" goes like this. "Upon life some will see the rough, there will be times your best will not be good enough. Then you must ride the storm, just hanging on.... And when the calm has come again, you'll still go on!" . It has a very catchy tune. This song has carried me through a number of storms in my life. It reminds that we will face difficulties in life. Sometimes, even our best may not be enough! Instead of giving up, the song encourages me to hang on! Don't give up! The calm will come again!

So, to whom would you rather listen? People who speak hope or people who criticize? Some are very good at using words as weapon to bully and intimidate others (through sarcasm and criticism) . Well, I would rather listen to my principal, who was a speaker of hope. His words have helped me beat the odds coming from a tough background and challenging environment!

Application to marriage: Right is a simple card I handmade for my wife the day after our wedding. It reads, "Married life is a marathon. It is not enough to make a great start. You will need determination to continue." And below is her first card to me after our wedding. It is always easier to continue running when there is a loved one spurring you on. Someone who believes in you, even when the world don't!.

.

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same."