Challenges and MILKRun

As much as I can't believe it, half the year is gone. Looking back, I asked myself - What have I done? Have I accomplished what I have set out to do (or even halfway through)? It's the time of the year that I do my self-reflection.

Year 06 has been one that has been filled with challenges. One challenge I face is the ability to empathise. To empathise is to put myself in another person's shoes. I must say - all humans judge and so do I. Initially when I was asked which department I want to be in (at work), I very much wanted to be in the youth or children services. However, I was placed in the family service. I asked God - God, I can really really empathise with children and youth but I find it a real challenge to empathise with families! (aka parents) God replied - Empathise. Means to put myself in their shoe. Means understanding their worldview. Means acknowledging. I've learnt that to empathise does not require me to be emotional. However, it needs me to acknowledge the other party's emotional needs. As I look back, I AM very glad that I am in the family service instead of otherwise cause it's a very good department to be in before I think of areas of specialization. Hmm.. Am I losing anyone here?

Anyway, challenges come in different shapes and sizes. For the first time in 4 years (since I was back from Brisbane), I got into a job that requires to eat into my personal time that it took me till now (6 months) to really let go. Remembering the past 4 years, I found so much joy in having the free time to serve. Yet now, there is a need to plan. I can't volunteer as and when I like. Honestly, it's quite a struggle.

AND for the first time in my life, I missed Sunday service BECAUSE of work - MILKRun. Hmm.. Honestly, I missed church so much. I had a small itsy bitsy revelation. I suddenly thought I understand why God wants His children to attend church! To fellowship! We have a constant relationship with God. We can talk to him as and when we like. However, I feel that church is the best time to catch up with friends and CG. To fellowship, to meet up, to do congregational worship & to encourage. You know, you don't do that with friends everyday but church day. Hee.. Sunday just didn't feel like a Sunday when I found myself missing people in church.

Well, I must explained though that I really enjoyed the MILKRun too. There were moments when I felt very touched when I saw the youths displaying their talents. In a society that talk so much about paper qualification, sometimes, the stress for the youths is for them to excel in their studies. And sometimes, their talents could be very stifled. Also, I felt very touched when the kid I ran the 4km with was motivated to finish the race he started. I felt very glad when I had a heart to heart talk with my colleague. I felt very touched towards the end when I saw my church friends!



Pre-registration and collection of goodie bags for runners on Friday.


Location of MILKRun.. Zouk! I was asked by my friend where was I on Sunday and I said - Zouk!


The Youth Parade. It was FABULOUS! My colleague and myself even grooved to the dance.. I wonder if we have made the fool of ourselves..Hee...


Went to visit the bazaar stall that Lucille had and found Natalie (her niece from HopeKids) there too.. Brought her around and had a short kiddy break with her!