Seasons in The Sun

A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8

Had a gathering at our house last nite. To bid farewell with heavy hearts, to two youth who has definately left impact in my life with their quiet faithful ways.

News came to me (rather last minute-ly!) that one of the youth who has always helped out in BM service will be going home for good (his home being Korea). He's been with us since 10 yrs old and he has always been a quiet comfort to me - that he will always be there to serve in our music team. So, news that he's leaving for good is a huge blow not only to our whole music team but to me personally. When I last checked with him, he said he only understood 40% of Bahasa language and yet, he's been so ever faithful to attend BM service even when he's not in the music team. Every single week - he, his aunt and his brother would be there, seated on the 3rd row, without fail. I had numerous times told my mom, if I were in his shoes and I do not understand the language, I'd probably have only given it 6 months of my life!

Another youth who also barely speaks Bahasa is also leaving for studies in India. Another faithful one... astoundingly great drummer and pianist... the baby who has grown so much but one who we always will regard as "the baby". She's venturing into medicine... not because she wants to give out MCs but instead she wants to her MD to mean Missionary Doctor!! How big can one's heart be?

My heart is sadden that they are leaving and another HUGE hole will be there for the music team, but a wise elder reminded me, their leaving might mean opportunity for others... I am reminded again by my Wise Counsellor, that there is a time for everything. I have nothing to fear. He will provide the oasis in what I see as dessert in our music ministry. I am constantly grateful for those who have faithfully serve. In their quiet ways, each person has greatly been a blessing. Always ready, always there, always saying okay when they can, always ready to endure the silly nagging and difficult perfectionist way of a song leader, always open to ideas, always wanting to improve self and the team as a whole, always... in a sum, giving their best to the Lord.