Joyful Giver

This chinese new year, I learnt a valuable lesson from a non-christian which reinforced my very own christian values. This is the first year I gave my parents ang baos.

And it also happens to be the year where many things have happened which has made earning that little bit for 家用 even harder, and is also the year of the economic crisis where car COE has dropped to zero dollars because no one is buying cars. I knew it was never going to be easy going down this path to pursue my dream, but i never realised it would be this tough.

As I was struggling with the numbers in my bank account and the crisp notes that were in my hands, Carrie said to me "Money can be earned back, things like this you cannot scrimp and save."

It reminded me to be a joyful giver. To give cheerfully and not give in expectance of anything in return. Yes, I think that's something I have to continually work on. It doesn't mean if you give 家用 you are damn 伟大 and should have a say in anything. When you give, you just give because you love and because you know you can never repay them all that they have done in their continual process of upbringing.

2 Corinthains 9: 6 - 9

Remember this:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And so that in all things at all time, having all that you need,
you will abound in good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever."

Having said all that, in true blue "I'm only human, I am imperfect" fashion. A little appreciation is of course valued and in turn, GREATLY appreciated. I have heard of many stories from my more mature friends, of unappreciated gestures of love to the best of their abilities because this love, in monetary value, was less than last year's. Hearing this pained my heart...

I am someone who always needs recognition and acknowledgement from my family. Every little thing i do, I hope to receive their blessings. So when I heard this story, I couldn't imagine the pain i would have felt if i were in his shoes.

To be scoffed at and chided for not giving enough, even if it is already a generous sum and you gave cheerfully.

But in encouragement to all cheerful givers who are facing similar problems, God stores your treasures in Heaven. And as much as you are a pauper on earth, you are a millionaire up there. You are a millionaire to me. You are a millionaire to many people who love you.

A very blessed and Happy New Year to all you cheerful givers out there! May God open the floodgates of blessings and wealth upon you!

新的一年，新的开始... 起飞！

新年快乐，心想事成。

开开心心，一起努力！