Sunday, August 12, 2007
actions speak louder than words.
it's true. it's been a rough and tiring week due to my grandfather's funeral.
but it was also a time where God opened up my eyes and helped me to be thankful for many other things during the funeral.
i now know what it means to go the extra mile, to lend your helping hand and to put in your utmost support.
- the greatest comfort came from the family and friends and my parents' G12 who dropped by the wake every night without fail. those that came despite having just returned to Singapore after a 12hr flight from overseas; those that came to help with the counting of money and ensuring that everyone else got drinks; those that boiled herbal drinks for my family every day; those that sent wreaths and still turned up for the memorial services every night; people that came from the very very old cell groups since the beginning of FCBC.
- then i thought that maybe at the cremation service, the no. of people wouldn't be as many because it was a week day- but to my surprise they turned up. A teacher who took leave from her school so she could come for the cremation, my boss whom i work for at the airport (and he's a really busy guy i know), the aunty that rushed down to Mandai in a taxi after her morning meeting, the couple that runs a busy company came, the uncle that just got back from Indonesia the night before turned up as well.
- it's in such times that you get a glimpse of the friends that really care for you. the ones that call you from overseas, the ones that try to call you from overseas despite the poor reception, the ones that come despite a busy schedule due to an upcoming performance, the ones that come even after a tiring dance performance, the ones that come though they stay really far away from Tampines, the ones that turn up to lend support though i don't really know them very well (that's why it's touching), the ones that help you play the guitar and help you lead worship although they're busy, the ones that show up even though they're probably busy packing before they leave for overseas studies.
- the pastors that were so loving- pastor melvyn and pastor linda gave great sermons. pastor chan hon sek brought laughter to everyone through his singing and pastor lawrence was there for my brother during the cremation.
- it mattered alot to me that people would come for the memorial service. i hoped that they could be a testimony to my non-believing uncles and aunties. and i'm so thankful for each and everyone of them that has helped my family and I to get through this season.
But i am even more thankful for the little victories that came out of the funeral:
- my neighbour, from the opposite block, heard the songs we sang during the memorial service and was very moved by it. He said that the hymns were very powerful and it touched him enough to bring him down to the funeral. he especially loved the song Because He Lives.
- my grandmother, saw that my parents' G12 was so supportive because they came down every single night to help out and to be a source of support. She saw the pastors putting in their very best. Kudos to Pastor Linda who was probably quite anxious in the beginning, but she delivered one of the best sermons that night. My grandmother who is not a regular at church, saw the church coming to her doorstep and out of her gratefulness, asked my parents to drop $1000 into the offering bag for her.
actions do speak louder than words.
no matter how small the action may be,
it may have touched someone's heart.
these people have gone the extra mile, met real needs, came despite the inconveniences, and showed me how to truly care for others. i know that now, i want to learn from them and apply it in my daily actions.
God Sent His Son
They Called Him Jesus
He came to Love, Heal and Forgive
He Gave His Life, To Buy My Pardon
An Empty Grave Is There to Prove My Saviour Lives
And Because He Lives
I Can Face Tomorrow
Because He Lives
All Fear Is Gone
Because I Know, I Know
He Holds the Future
And Life is Worth the Living, Just Because He Lives.
TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
12:34 AM
