The Unlikely Sabbatical

Dear Diary,

In less than 14 hours, I will be stepping into a military camp for my reservist training. It is almost amusing to say that I actually am looking forward to it. Maybe all the secular work has taken a toil on my physical, mental and spiritual health. If it was just one year ago or earlier, to do reservist training would be a dreaded scenario.

Frankly, as much as I hate to admit, I am kinda dragged along the current of secularism and the aim for worldly success. Guys are particularly prone to that. There is always that societal perception of what a successful man should possess, should attain, should become. Even as I wait for April for the first of my plans to either unfold or collapse into oblivion, there is a nagging feeling in me that whispers… “Do you actually know where you are heading despite all the lofty planning?”

Actually, once I know the outcome of my first plan… whether it is success or failure, a massive decision awaits which I need the courage of a lion to make. It is probably through the making of major decisions that we mature in thinking, in knowing ourselves and our priorities. I am not sure how brave I am but I am looking forward to that D-Day, Decision-Day.

Between the two genders, it is almost safe to say that generally the female gender is more spiritually-inclined. The male gender has that tendency to rely on his brains or his brawn. I, admittedly, am awfully guilty of it… suddenly it just occurred to me that all I need to do is just look at the previous paragraph to know that I am guilty of that. Oh well… Hee… Then again based on personal history, this reservist training will once again see me rely on my faith more than my intellect. I don’t really have much brawn to be egoistic about anyway.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care
upon him; for he careth for you."

For once, I can put down all the job responsibilities of managing a pharmacy and the administrative portfolios. I will get down to tending the sick, the injured… set the intravenous drips, bandage the wounded… A good dose of “air-conditioner-less” and “mosquito-disturbances” will make me more aware of how fortunate I am now… then again, I am armed with anti-mosquito repellents and patches. =P I can’t be tested too much, hahaha… It will be two solid weeks.

I hope I can rekindle the faith and trust I have in God. I know I still trust Him but it is currently not reflected in my works. Time in the army will give ample opportunity to reflect on the role of God in my life and my role in God’s kingdom. Will also have time to admire the trees, the creatures of the jungle, the stars, the moon, the beauty of nature… the creation of God. You know, some of the most amazing moments in life are just simple activities like lying on a meadow beneath a starry sky… watching the stars twinkle, the cool night breeze against your face… Maybe the quietness of the night will tell me more than the wisdom of the world. For once in a long while, I will have time off my hectic schedule to listen to my own heart, to listen to God and to ignore my “rationalising” thoughts. Hahaha…

So long! ;-)

God Bless,

Andrew