Less Than 100%

My eye bags are already swollen! I confess, I had bouts of crying spells and interrupted sleep since the start of the week. I’m close to resembling some of my Chinese friends. And yet, the “big day” approaches– even if I cry a river,inevitably, it will come.

Few months ago, I got my immigrant visa. Honestly, I’m not 100% happy about it. I am already comfortable and grateful with where I am and what I have right now.

 

 

God blessed me a family who unconditionally accepts me despite my flawed character. They never got tired showing their love even if I wasn’t that appreciative.

He blessed me a Church and two small groups where I can grow unselfishly, responsibly and spiritually.

 

There is no way you will be able to grow spiritually apart from a deep involvement in a community of other believers.- Tim Keller

 

 

 

He blessed me someone who led me in my spiritual journey by demonstrating God’s grace in his life. He has been very considerate and patient with my slow pacing.

 

You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips. — Oliver Goldsmith

 

 

 

 

The Lord blessed me with a noble profession. It allowed me to be exposed to several opportunities for improvement and establish healthy relationships at the same time. God made me see my profession as a ministry and not only for monetary gain.

 

If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.~Les Brown

 

 

 

He made me see my limitations to make me depend more on what He can do through me. He introduced people of varied character and perspective to improve my personality.

Good ideas area all around you. Seek out what the best people are doing. Watch & learn. Then adapt & apply.- Mark Sanborn

God allowed me to enjoy life’s pleasures as a bonus. He wants me to laugh more.

 

The temporary pleasures of this present world are meant to point you to the lasting pleasure of knowing God.- Paul Tripp

 

 

 

He allowed me to go through challenges to learn both from victories and failures. God intends that I see my humanity and acknowledge His sovereignty. I have been blessed with people who comforted me in my troubled times.

I felt sorrow leaving all of these behind. I rationalized, being away from my comfort zones will develop maturity and depth in me.

 

 

 

Paul have a different perspective.

In the book of Philippians, he declared, “Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else. All I want is Christ and know that I belong to Him.” (Philippians 3:8-9,emphasis mine)

I sought people more than Him. I became more contented and secured with His blessings and not with the Giver Himself. Yet He never gave less than 100%.

Though He has been gracious to provide them, He will not allow me to remain the same. God longs for me to love Him more than His blessings.

Paul encouraged,“God is the one who began this good work in us, and he is certain that He won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6, emphasis mine)

It is not what I have, but it is what He can supply. Because He loves me and the people I cherish in my heart.

I am flying away from home. Saying goodbye’s one of the hardest thing to do; same with saying hello to people and a place that is new. The only constant in between is God and He will carry me through.

9  Suppose I had wings
like the dawning day
and flew across the ocean.

10  Even then Your powerful arm
would guide and protect me.
(Psalm 139:9-10)