It's a wonderful life

My Christmas tradition is to watch the movie called "It's a Wonderful Life". It was inspiring everytime I watched it. Mr. Bailey, the main character, blamed on his birth when he was hit by a very difficult time in his business. An angel showed him how bad the world became if he was not born, and how he had made difference to others lives.

This year, I did not watch the movie. I felt that I was, in a way, Mr. Bailey.

Business is not moving anywhere. I was hoping that my business trip will be fruitful in one way or the other. My eyes were open, yet I did not see anything applicable to my business. I met some architects in foreign land, yet nothing substantial happened. I am back to Hawaii for three weeks, yet I still cannot discern the meaning of the trip. Why did I travel so far away?

Well, other things took place during the trip. I met a handful of old friends. I learned their new lives, and I pray for them regularly. If I did not see them, my prayers for them won't be lifted up. They absolutely worth my trip.

In the end of the movie, Mr. Bailey realized his role as a member of the community, family and friends. He loved his life, and when he returned to reality, his business problem was resolved. His family and friends flooded his house to help him out.

Life is adventurous. I don't know about wonderful, but God is good. I am gracious that life is as short as morning dews.

2011 rushed away quickly. In the beginning of 2011, my resolution was to simplify my life. I found that it is not quite possible. When I tried to simplify, I complicated the situation. For example, when I was in HK, I needed only one pineapple bun and milk tea for breakfast, simple as that. However, the waiter told me that it was more economical to order a meal, that came with two buns and milk tea. I had to do all the math in my head to figure out what I should feed myself. "Is it really more economical? What if I can't finish? What if all the excessive sugar and fat go to my butt?...... all kinds of questions....." Complicated process for the end of simpleness.

In short, I can't really simplify my live. However, when comparing with lives in HK, my live is pretty simple, and I am glad.

Looking back 2011, it was full of grace. Bella Pollard, my little 1 year old friend was cured from a deadly cancer. My church youth pastor's wife gave birth to twin girls, after many years of prayers. My company remains open, and my partner trusts me so much. I fought a war at the courtroom and gave testimonies for the first time. I designed company Christmas card with Bible verse. Hawaii CCM's new staff came in April, and works well with us. We struggle financially, yet our door is still open. Juanna and I re-started weekly prayer meetings at Hawaii CCM. I visited bak-leung and sister dai and 3 at Toronto. I attended Dr. Daniel Wu's anniversary and birthday celebration. Last but not least, I visited HK for the first time since my last departure in year 2000, and dined with friends whom I had not seen for 19 years. It'll go on and on and on.

In short again, no expectation this year. Trust the Lord God with all my heart, and love Him with all my strength, because He first loved us.