blessed to bless others

these past few weeks, i've been kinda troubled by issues. at times i felt very weepy or discouraged or lost. but through it all, God has sent people around me to bring so much cheer and encouragement into my life. mel has been really patient and understanding too... yet i still struggle with some of these things, but i know i am not alone.

that does help a lot.

anyway, just read a book that i borrowed from the library, that reminded me just how blessed i am, and encouraged me to keep trusting God for the issues in my life. the book is called "Shiokari Pass" by Ayako Miura. it's a really good book. i just saw it by chance, and since i love all things japanese, i thought i'd read it. and was so touched by this true story that i was moved to tears, and really ashamed of how easily i allow myself to wallow in self pity, to doubt and to be discouraged, when so many more people around the world face so much more than i ever will.

here's the synopsis:

based on a true story, Shiokari Pass is a moving tale of love eclipsed by sacrifice and tragedy. The hero of this novel is the young and idealistic Nobuo Nagano, who finds himself forced to make a heart-rending decision when he must choose between his childhood sweetheart, Fujiko, and his newly-found Christian faith.

Set in Hokkaido, at the turn of the nineteenth century, when for the first time, Western culture and ideas were beginning to challenge Japan's long-held traditions, Shiokari Pass takes an intriguing look at Japanese life and thought of a hundred years ago... offers a revealing glimpse of the long, hard road travelled by Japanese Christians.

"... unless agrain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." John 12:24


today at sunday school, yingkehng shared on the need for us to step out of our comfort zone. it's not a new msg to me - i've heard it countless times, i've even dished it out to others before. but somehow today, it spoke to me in a new way.

i realised that i've been slowly becoming consumed with work, with church, with mel, with my family. none of it is 'bad', but i've been somewhat neglecting other people in the process. like ngam, my acappella group buddies. like my uni friends. like my cousins, even. and most of them are Christians. i was reminded how needful it is for me to search out and build relationships with non-Christians too. after all, what use is salt in the salt cellar?

so... lots to think about. i was shocked to realise that i have fallen into the 'trap' of holy huddle - in the sense that i'm surrounded by Christians every day and night.

i have no idea how to proceed from here. i do want to increase my circle of non-Christian friends, to be there for them when they need a listening ear or someone to share. but how do i go about it? praying for wisdom and open doors...

i've got to figure out a way to step out of my boat.