This year went by so, so fast. Do you realise that the older you are, the quicker time flies? That’s because as we age, one year becomes a smaller and smaller proportion of our age. If you are 2 years old, then 1 year is half of your life so far, that is long. But if you are 50 years old, then 1 year is but 2 percent of your life only. In a way, time is relative.
How did 2023 speed by just like that?
Rev Edmund Chan once introduced the concept of the red bar and the blue bar. The red bar is your external side. It’s what people can see. It’s the accomplishments and the activities. The blue bar is what is happening in our internal lives, our character development, our relationship with God.
Looking back, I saw that my red bar was quite prominent this year. I signed up to be a café partner under the L.E.C.S programme and spend time weekly with my café partner. I signed up for two bible studies. I increased my exercise regime, started Zumba classes as well as zone 2 exercises on top of my regular K-Pop classes. I took up drum classes and have been practising fervently almost daily. I took on a coordination role in the Cancer Care Ministry Crochet/Knitting group. And…I also tried to squeeze in some time for my freelance work.
But my blue bar? Well, I realise that I have neglected it somewhat. Yes, I did do 2 bible-study sessions each week, but that was no indication of my growing in spiritual maturity. My prayer life had been a perfunctory effort at best. I am thankful that God has been patient with my not being present with Him. 😬 He has been good to me and my family. I am grateful. I have been undeserving.
In 2024, I plan to hunker down and build depth. It’s time to strengthen the foundations of my life again. I cannot take Him for granted anymore.
A very blessed New Year to y’all, dear friends. How has your 2023 been? How did your red and blue bar grow?
50 and beyond 
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