Happy Birthday To Me

We went to Kowloon Shangrila for a buffet dinner for my birthday.  Friends and family joined us for a cozy celebration. Honestly, I am never an enthusiast for birthday celebrations.  I still remember when I used to work in a Fund House in Toronto, there was a male co-worker who was giving out invitation around the office to join his 26-year-old birthday party.  I ridiculed the idea and thought really, what kind of a guy would invite co-workers to his house for a birthday party like a 7 year-old?

As I get older (and better?),  I am all the less excited to "celebrate" the process of aging. When each birthday comes around the corner, I can't help but ask myself "just how old are you?"  Unlike the kids who always have their answers ready, I had to do a bit of math to get that answer.  It is like my subconscious mind refuses to grow with the body.

What I see birthday now ....is a reminder to myself that I am loved, an excuse to meet up with friends and family, and a day to be grateful for family, friendship, and health.

It's not about YOU, it's about God’s mercy.

Romans 9:16 says "It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy."
據 此 看 來 ， 這 不 在 乎 那 定 意 的 ， 也 不 在 乎 那 奔 跑 的 ， 只 在 乎 發 憐 憫 的 神 。

The Chinese translation says it even better - It is not about how determined you are, nor is it about how hard you've working towards your goal.  Without God's mercy, all can be futile.
It may sound uninspiring and even anti-intuitive to some, especially non-believers. But for those whose life has been touched by God, they will know what it means. 

R.B. Kuiper, once used the following to illustrate the role played by God's sovereignty and human responsibility: "I liken them to two ropes going through two holes in the ceiling and over a pulley above. If I wish to support myself by them, I must cling to them both. If I cling only to one and not the other, I go down."

A more modern and easily understandable way of saying this now is : "I'll do my best, and God will do the rest".

Ferry ride

We took Jason on a ferry ride last week taking advantage of the nice Spring day.  Weather was a bit cool and windy but it's much better than heat and humidity. Our "trip" started from Tsimshatsui and I showed him the Culture Centre, the ice-cream truck, the pier, and the men fishing down there.....Jason liked the bumpiness on the deck as we went aboard the ferry and laughed hysterically.  He apparently enjoyed the experience so we did it twice.  Why not? It only costs us $3 each way.  He also repeated a few new words with me.  So proud of him.
Here is a picture of him overlooking the harbour.  His trunk has maintained this curvature for quite a while now but Sarah from ABR said this is actually a positive as he is returning to his "primary curve". Let's hope the next phase will come soon.  One thing that worries us also is his contracture at the knees. Growth is a strong force right now and I am praying that this too will be addressed by ABR.