I thought it only happen in my office that we were asked to put together an event within a 2 weeks notice. Luckily, quite used to this. We had this plan of organizing a Parents Appreciation Night in the middle of this year, but somehow we have been putting it on hold. God has His own timing and I truly believe that it will be for the best.
When God is is the midst, we can rest in Him to know that everything will in place at His precise timing. The Lord’s favour is definitely upon us. When the group size ballooned from 40 pax to about over 60 pax and God provided us with an alternative venue next to the church in Marine Parade fairly quickly. And He was there when we were planning and acquiring the gifts, especially the plants, the “Life” mineral water and the candle & tealight holders and also guiding us in planning of His program. Also, initially we had to turn over the room in 15 minutes, but the booking prior to our event was cancelled and we had ample time to set up the place *phew*!
The theme for the Christmas party was “Honour your parents” taken from Exodus 20:12. Of course, the party is for our parents and I can sense that they did enjoy themselves. Wasted, I didn't take a picture of them playing the games of musical chairs and blanket game. And how could they go home without hearing the Christmas message ... hehe. I think alot of the non-Christians parents sort of know the drill, they wanted to 'siam' liao, but were too paiseh to leave, or perhaps they were weak on their knees already after they heard us sang the song 至少还有你 Zhi Shao Hai You Ni, dedicated to them. Aiyoh, that night, my eyes were tearing from time to time -- when we sang the song, during Pastor’s sermon, and while saying a prayer of blessings to my parents. So paiseh, my mum has to offer me a tissue paper.
But what I really want to share is -- before encountering this small, but yet faith-building victory of seeing my parents actually coming for my church events, I have been facing a long battle within myself of fear of don’t know what – rejection? paiseh-ness (sometimes don’t know what to say or share really)?. 2007 is a Year of Victory, which God has promised. Pastor shared that in order to have victory, we need to enter into battle. And the one thing that is required of us is to step out in faith. So simple hor, but I tell you it is not -- at least for me. But the most challenging one was the first time that I had to bless my parents aloud and face-to-face during the 100K Blessings in July this year.
The background to my relationship with my parents has somehow become a bit "ke-ki" (polite/ formal). Having being married for so long (into my 10th year in 2008), and over the years, the returning-home-once-a-week gathering on Sunday, seems to have subtly drawn us apart by the millimetres each year and there is this mild awkardness at times, where you normally associate with CNY gatherings of just some superficial sharings. Sometimes, I feel I am just reporting of how the week has been for me and my family and would update them on the kids' funny moments or new tricks. Seriously, I can't remember when is the last time that I sat down to have a heart-to-heart talk, cos time is always so short on Sundays, and the kids are either cranky or noisy to deepen any conversation.
Boy, it was tough for me to open my mouth to invite my parents, especially my Dad to come. Perhaps, it's because I simply assumed that I still know my parents well, and in my heart and mind I can already foresee what would his reply and reaction be, and thus, I had a lot of reservations. I probably think too much liao. Anyway then, as the date of the event drew near and we needed to confirm the order of food and gifts, I signed up both my parents in faith.
My dad didn’t agree at first but gave me a vague reply, “I’ve got no appointment that day, but can’t really confirm. See how first.” And Mum’s reply is always depending on dad’s decision, cos she is one submissive woman who stands by her man, accompanying him wherever he wants to go or do (including roller-bladding at mid 50s) so that he will not be lonely, actually I think it’s more of her not feeling lonely. Anyway, both my parents came that night. Dad sent me an sms “Ok, see you there” only that morning after much pestering and smses. He came because he didn’t want to disappoint me that every other parent came and mine didn’t come.
Actually in my heart, my main desire is for my parents to come to this party so that there will be an opportunity for my parents to get to meet my other spiritual family -- my pastor & wife, cell leaders, brothers and sisters-in-Christ, who have been my counsellor, guide and support and also for my friends to meet my parents, whom my cell has been praying with me. It has always been a great joy meeting many of my friend's parents and hearing their sharing. And it finally dawn on me that if I didn't open my mouth to invite my parents to come, then I am robbing them of this opportunity of experiencing this same joy of fellowship that I had.
That night, after blessing my parents once again, I felt that there was a change in our relationship, as if something between us has been removed. I believe this is only the beginning and there are more blessings to come.
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