Life Lessons

"We will not hide them from their children, 

but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds 

of the LORD, and his might, 

and the wonders that he has done."

-Psalm 78:4

So much wisdom gleaned from spending the day with my Aunt:

-After lunch on Thursday, Aunty Jenny came to pick me up, and we drove to the senior home to visit her dad. I’ve been to many nursing homes back home, and this one was really nice. It was clean, new, and didn’t smell like old people (no offence to them). I made a comment that the home was really nice, and Aunty Jenny replied, “I only give my dad the best.” Her response struck me. As a student, I’m constantly very conscious about how I spend my money, always buying the cheapest or most cost-effective item, trying to stretch my dollar and get the most bang for my buck. I’m also always calculating the most convenient or efficient way to spend my time and do tasks. Her comment caught me off guard, and she reminded me that it’s not always about the cheapest,  most efficient, or most convenient. When it comes to love, only the best matters. After all, our Heavenly Father gave up His best to buy us back. Why am I so unwilling to spend extra money and extra time for the people around me? I hope that when I see people in need, I won’t be distracted by the price tag or time commitment, but see the person through eyes of love.

Great Uncle and I

-Aunty Jenny reminded me about grabbing every opportunity that comes; life is so short and the opportunity may never, ever come back. She had a close call a few years ago, and with the short time that I’m here, she advised me to make the most of every opportunity because you only live life once. Who knows when I’ll be back again: next year, in five years, or never? Plan, but also be flexible when circumstances suddenly change that may come up.

-She also talked about the importance of hard work and monetary investment. Also, enjoying life and living well. She was talking to her father about all the people in his generation that passed away (including my grandfather), and she kept telling him how blessed he is to still be alive, and to live well. "活著就要活得好。" It was a good reminder for me too, not to squander the days I've been blessed with.

-Every time I FaceTime my parents, we talk about my classes and how they are not super rigorous or challenging. They say that I still need to be diligent and keep up with my own problem-solving skills and studying, or else when I go back, "我會變笨.” I agree. Before I came, Aunty Jenny asked me what my priorities were for studying abroad: 1) studying, 2) playing/travelling, or 3) living life. I said all of the above. At SCU, all I do is study. I literally don’t have time to play or live. I want to do more than that here. I’m not saying that life should be equally divided between the three categories, but I think all are integral experiences to make a human human. She taught me 怎麼樣做人 (interpersonal skills; literally “how to be a human”), how to be humble and encourage others even when it costs us more. I'm pretty sure I learned more spending the day with Aunty Jenny (living life?) than during all the hours I’ve spent in class here so far.

Ugh memories. My mom is making a slideshow of our church's Class of 2017 boys (gentlemen?). Technology is pretty amazing; we can both log into Animoto and edit the pictures, and she sent me versions of the slideshow via video. The boys were so cute when they were little! And time flies, it’s crazy. I’ve already been in Australia for a month! 

Lifegroup was so good last night! I talked to Victor, one of the leaders, and he prayed for me! ❤️ I also volunteered to help cook for future Lifegroup meetings. I have no classes on Friday, and I’ve discovered how much I enjoy cooking (and of course eating, but I already knew that :P). I also miss baking, but I don’t really want to invest in bakeware here…  I also miss one-on-ones and open, honest sharing. He challenged me to really pray and seek God’s heart - who, what, and where He wants me to invest in in the short time I am here. I may only have 101 days left in Australia, but with God so much can happen. I’m so excited for what He has in store for me.

For those who pray, please pray that I will be able to hear God’s direction for me, boldly following His lead and make the most of every opportunity He gives me. Please also pray that I will give Him my best - not just what’s easiest, cheapest, or most convenient - but my best time, effort, and… just best everything. Thank you so much, everyone. It’s such a blessing being able to share my thoughts and experiences with you, knowing that there are people who love and care for me enough to pray for me.