My Dad

The man sits down next to me and opens his bag to pull-out a thick novel he is halfway through. His arms and face are a bright red colour – sunburn from the recent warm weather and his lack of sunscreen. There’s a little girl sitting opposite eating jellybeans with her mum.

“You can only have one,” the lady says to her daughter. The Jellybean Girl is dissatisfied with the offer and cheekily grabs a handful out of the packet.

Sunburn Man notices and tells how his youngest son does the same thing, instigating a conversation between the two about their children. The man talks passionately about his three children – even standing up at one point to describe the height of his seven year-old. Never does Sunburn Man portray his children as difficult or a burden. Nor does he express how they tire him with their misbehaviour or disobedience.

His unconditional love for them is potent in his speech.

It occurred to me that this is how God speaks about His children. About me. He doesn’t dwell on my disobedience or stubbornness, but rather talks about how proud I make Him, how strong I’m becoming with my arm-wrestles, how I ask for outrageous things.

And I know that when I make a mistake and approach my Dad with a downward face and guilt-laden shoulders and manage to muster the strength to look him in the eyes and say the words, “I’m sorry”, His arms open wide. He gives me a warm hug and He says,

“Jason, it’s OK. I love you.”

On Christmas Eve

Come Christmas time, our workload decreases (quite unlike those working in retail – I feel for you). Hence we sometimes need to find things to fill-in the spare time …

Is it obvious that the boss is away? Although it appears that he has been substituted with Davin’s new toy – “Gee Joe”. He was my gift to Dav in the Secret Santa – I told him it would remind him of his army days when he had more hair. This morning he was placed prominently in specimen reception with a short threat.

The post-it note reads, “Gee Joe is the new CRA supervisor. He has a gun and is watching so don’t stuff up!” Man I’m really going to miss the characters I work alongside.

Christ-mas!

Untitled

It might just be me, but sometimes I feel that people label me without getting to know me…

P.S. – a big hello to the readers from New Zealand. I’d like to know where you guys (and other readers!) are from – don’t be shy and leave a comment :)

It’s no Singapore

A bit disappointing – the three words I’d use to describe the City’s Christmas decorations. I guess my standards are particularly high after seeing Singapore’s impressive display of festive cheer at Orchard Road – yet my expectations were still low because, well, it’s Perth. Are we maybe called Dullsville for a reason? We definitely aren’t the liveliest state in Australia (but probably the most beautiful I might add) – and the lack of people shopping last night somewhat supported this statement. I didn’t stand in a queue once. Maybe people were just unaware of the extended trading in the City. It worked in my favour nonetheless. I could really get used to the extended trading hours :) Tis a shame they end after Christmas.

I came across this group of people on Murray Street. I gathered that they were a Christian group from Korea. They were entertaining a small audience (in this picture they are being penguins) and one guy gave his testimony. It reminded me of being on missions.

But then it occurred to me – missionaries are coming to Perth!? Shame on us! We are more than capable of reaching out to those living here yet apparently we aren’t doing it enough! That thought really affected me and has motivated me to strategise for next year. We need a kick up the bum and we need to begin seeking opportunities to share the gospel!

Motivation!

Oh so skinny

We had our church Christmas party last night – Frost – and for the first time in my life, I wore skinny leg jeans.

“Hypocrite" some would say whilst silently judging me.

I know I’m usually the first to bag those wearing skinny leg jeans – but I needed white jeans and Jonni just happened to have a pair of white jeans … that just happened to be skinny also.

I put them on and they fit quite nicely – and they actually didn’t look too bad. Maybe I shouldn’t be so critical of the circulation-restricting apparel.

Elvis.

Blog?

The lady was slightly puzzled when I enquired about iTunes gift cards that were apparently on sale. She was unaware of such promotion.

“Where did you see it advertised?” asks the Australia Post assistant.

“Uh … a friend told me about it,” I reply.

That was kind of a lie. Technically, I was informed by someone, but it wasn’t a friend. I was a bit embarrassed to reveal where I had obtained such information. Besides, she probably wouldn’t even know what I was talking about.

The thing is this – I’d read it on a blog. I know – I’m a bit of a geek, and I felt that she wouldn’t understand me. There’d be this long awkward silence followed by, “Blog? Do you mean our catalogue, sir?” I would then have to educate the poor lady of the 21st century – something I’m not prepared to do on account of the twenty or so impatient customers behind me.

It left me wondering – are blogs a socially acceptable source of information? I suppose it would fall into a similar category to Wikipedia. These sites provide information but we must question its relevance and reliability. I don’t think they would hold much weight outside of cyberspace.

On a side note, I always welcome this package on my doorstep:

They only took two and a half weeks to arrive this time! Just in time for Christmas :) I shall be sporting my new shirts over the next few days.

Understanding.

More to follow

Complete weakness and dependence will always be the occasion for the Spirit of God to manifest His power.

Oswald Chambers

I haven’t blogged lately, and I promise I will post after I finish processing the thoughts and emotions.

Dear God

The trip to Philippines was truly amazing. I won’t lie – it was very challenging and draining for me, but I labour with joy as I see peoples’ lives transformed by Your love. The humidity was a bit of a killer, but our bodies slowly adjusted. The food was somewhat repetitive – rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner – but it sustained us nonetheless. And the sleep – almost non-existent – but You still gave me the strength to get up in the morning. I’m grateful that You put up with my somewhat too frequent complaining to You. I realise that You were hoping to deplete my natural strength so I may be sustained by Your supernatural strength.

I loved the people of the area – the kids in particular. Their lives are so simple compared to that of western society. Have we overcomplicated life? I also cannot forget about the lady named Joy whom we encountered in one of the villages. Thank You for the opportunity to enter her home and share the Gospel. Thank You for touching her and allowing her to feel joy within her heart. You really did come to seek the lost, the sick, the oppressed, the widows, the orphans. I witnessed with my own eyes You doing such things. The queue for healing after the rallies was sometimes unbearably long, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

I’m also grateful for our fellow team mates. I believe we were handpicked by you to work together, and I really feel a great sense of family when I am with them. I see their passion and desire to be Your hands and feet, and am very much inspired by it.

This trip was so unique, and I believe that it will have a lasting impression on my mind.

Lots of love

Jason.

Until next time.