What I am going to write is based on my own observation and I am writing all these in general and not focusing on a particular person. So happy reading...
Yesterday, a boy from AGAPE wrote something about being appreciative of the things or the people that we have around us. I have to say that those words written are wise and are of good value.
Each year as time goes by, things around us changes and at times it just advance so fast that we don't even remember when in exact a particular event took place. Technology now is so advance compared 10 years back, children nowadays are so much different compared to children born in our parents time.
In general, with this new generation; their mindset and their value of certain things varies as before. Before, people focuses more on having basic manners, good character and quality, however, right now many are swayed to having focus more on having the latest gadgets, knowing about the latest updates/gossips rather than the latter. Don't get me wrong here. I do know of people who shower themselves with the latest stuffs and yet they do posses one of the world's best est etiquette. (It's true)
Going back to what I want to say.
Through my obeservation, many nowadays tend to take the things that we have and especially the people around us for granted. Many a times we end up using people and loving things, whereas it should be the other way around.
We need to cultivate this spirit of thankfulness and appreciation in each of our hearts for God only give us one life. One life to learn, to love, to appreciate, to live life to the fullest for Christ and so, we too must appreciate our life, our body and especially our Creator God who so wonderfully and fearfully made each of us unique and special.
Whether a particular person come into your life just for a few weeks, a few months, for years or until the day they breath their last, we must learn how to appreciate each one of them. Sometimes we just assume that it is a parent's role to provide us the best, and we just take them for granted. Just like we need others to appreciate us; we too must always appreciate them for what they have done for us.
I have seen many events that happened in my life and when I look back, I do regret for I didn't appreciate the people and the things that I was blessed with and I did took them for granted. Thank God some found the grace to forgive me for what I have done, however, some did not. I don't hold any thing against them because I know that I am at fault. The Bible teaches me not to look at the twig in my friends eye but to look at the log in my own. And this is what I am doing.
I am not perfect and I do fail at times, however, as I grew older, I learn and I am still in the learning process. Before, I just take my friends for granted and keep blaming others for not being friends with me, however, as I am about to graduate and enter into my 22nd year, being alive and well on this planet earth; I have seek God's help to change me. To appreciate life, things that I am blessed with and ultimately, the people whom I love and the people who love me.
I am not a person who is good with words, therefore, I have choose to began this new year with a change. I will on and off write a message on my blog, and also to keep two journals. One for my family, and the other for my extended family in Christ. I express all that I feel into that book and present it to them when the opportunity arises.
Do unto others how you would like them do to you. If you long for others to appreciate you for what you have done, do it to them too. Don't take it for granted and think that it is a must that so and so should do this to and for me. They too needs to be appreciated.
As I have written before, appreciation comes in many form, use the creativity and the ideas that God has blessed us with to appreciate and thank the people around us who have made our lives colorful and beautiful. Don't do out of wanting to get something back in return, however, do it with the fullness of your heart and I believe you will in return achieve an unexpressable sense of joy and achievement.
Make it a point at any time of the day, month to appreciate your loved ones. It need not be their birthday or any special events, but at any day when you think of them or a particular person, just drop them an sms, or a call, email, facebook message. The value of a present given is not judge based on its value but the heart of one who gives it.
So, to all those whom I have taken for granted in the past. Many apologies. That I believe was the old Khor Zyeh Myin (Jac/Jackie/Jacqueline) whom you used to know. As I seek God's help to change me, I pray that you all will be able to notice and also to find it in your heart to forgive me.
For those whom I have taken for granted and yet have forgiven me time and again. I thank God for each of you. It is not easy I know however, I believe it is the grace and love that God has planted in your hearts to embrace and accepet me for who I am and what I am. I love you all and God bless!
Signing off,
Myin
