In Perth, we have the joy of having treasured friends
from Singapore to come and spend five days holidaying together. They managed to
book a beautiful beach house in Rockingham called Venice Retreat with five
bedrooms, plus game room for all 9 of us and the house was a splendid blessing
even in winter!
As we spend our days bringing the kids out, movies, sand
boarding, shopping etc, we also spent considerable time chatting, talking as we
prepare dinners and BBQ, and of course trying different beers and wines. Time
really flies during our time together and when it was time for them to leave,
we felt emotional, especially for Edwin.
There are many friendships in our lives and as per any
relationships, efforts are needed to maintain, nurture and grow them. Since our
personalities, characters and behaviors are all so different, working towards
love and bonding could be an intricate affair. The more we treasure the
relationships, the more we have to protect them.
Just finished reading the book One Forever - The
transforming power of being IN CHRIST and some thoughts cross my mind as I
reflected on this second stop. During creation, the formless and empty world of
Genesis 1:2 - something that had unity of uniformity - becomes, under God's
hand, a diverse unity. It is made good by each part being made different (p17).
The unity of humanity itself is, like creation, a unity in diversity.
We can be very different in many aspects yet we can be
united in Christ, bearing God's image. Different characters can complement each
other if we look at each other's strength and learn to appreciates the creative
glory of God's creation, IN all of US! I witnessed how our friend slowed down for
us although he would have gladly packed his day from 7am to 11pm covering more
and seeing more and yet, knowing we are more laid back, choose to take the day
slower with lesser activities. And here we get to appreciates our friend's
strength in driving and organizing the whole party of 9. Our talks can also be
heightened emotionally and sometimes light and joyous across the group and yet
all parts fit together as one in this Second Stop, from young to old. We have enjoyed
our diversity knowing we are united in Christ as brothers and sisters and Godparents, Godchildren here.
It will be a well remembered Stop, though very short but
meaningful and fruitful in many ways. Thank you for making the efforts to hold
this treasured friendship of many many years...
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