A consideration of 2018

I vividly remember the day where I was planning for 2018. Looking back, what is my conclusion?

Neither satisfied with the process nor achieved all that I set out to, but I am eternally grateful to my God for what He deems best for me.

It only seems right to give God the glory due to Him as the sovereign God over heaven and earth.

Just as God made us the evening to sleep, to show us that the world can run perfectly fine without us, so God uses life to show that we can plan and will, but God determines our step and the outcome.

Reality can sometimes be very different from our visualisation. We think that we have done certain things and achieved what we want, but it shows otherwise.

In this regard, I am thankful that

1. I made the effort to spend more time with my family, lesser time seeking man's approval, but seeking to build genuine relationships with people.

2. Learn to make do with less. As our Lord Jesus Himself said- where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". Resolved to find my true treasure in the Lord Himself, and Him alone. The riches and glory of this world will soon fade, for our life on earth are like grass, it comes and goes.

3. Treasure the opportunities that God has put before my life. By far this has been the most fruitful year as things change very quickly and I took up many experiences and learnt from many failures and humbled by the successes God has given me.

In consideration of my failure, I hope to continue working on these items and to be more aware of it.

1. One of my biggest failures is that my goal to not be late for anything, turns out otherwise. I am still late for school frequently, late for spending time with friends, late for important events (my NS vocation test zzzz).

2. Dependence on social media. I did not really try social media fasting, hence I do not want to make a conclusion. However, I notice frequent use of Instagram story and post within an hour. Furthermore, in the last quarter of the year, I have been frequently using explore page which is a big NONO for me.

3. Learning to take a humble pie from internship and helping to run a functional training centre with Uncle Sam. Probably one of the greatest gift from God to tame the flesh.

4. Honouring my parents as I would love to, or rather to live up to the standard that is set for us in the Bible.

5. Seeking many treasures here on earth wholeheartedly but neglecting self-denial and taking up my cross daily.

Going into 2019,

A huge chunk would definitely be spent in military service, learning and entering a new phase of life.

Looking forward to learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, and growing independence financially, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.

Some things to look forward to before enlisting?

 1. CrossFit opens 

 2. Training Peaking

 3. Travelling 

 4. Spending time with people that truly matters
 5. Reading
 6. Swimming
 7. Exploring the book of Revelation
 8. Learning and Improving Nutrition

Thank you father, that as we plan and consider, you still sovereignty rules over all things including our heart. Teach us thy ways, that we may walk in them, that our minds may be renewed daily, conforming to the pattern of Christ, as you see fit. Thank you for a great year, thank you for you, for your great salvation wrought in Christ. May all glory be to you, and kindle in our hearts greater desire for your kingdom and will.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Jay

06/01/19