Be Overflowed With Thanksgiving (A Post Christmas Gala)
December 29, 2021
Prior to Christmas, I and my friend already planned to visit the Winter Wonderland on Christmas day that is located at AsiaWorld-Expo. We checked the ticket's prizes online and how to avail them. But we opted to just buy it at the counter once we get there.
Unfortunately, on Christmas day, she opted to work and swapped her holiday to weekday so she could visit the consulate for her passport renewal. And we decided to just visit the winter wonderland on Sunday.
Saturday night came and my friend checked the opening hours of the AsiaWorld-Expo and we found out that it will be closed on Boxing Day (Sunday).
It seemed like my heart ached as the opportunity to see snow (even if it's fake) vanished in the air. And our plans became a drawing, again.
It is truly disappointing and saddening when your plans become drawings, so I rather not plan next time and just make an impromptu journey, like what I did when I went to Disneyland.
But I don't want my holiday to become boring and so I thought of visiting the Sweet Gum woods which I planned long ago. But my friend said the leaves aren't as red and pretty as last year.
But it didn't stop me from going to the woods. I packed my stuff and searched how to get there as I forgot the direction.
As I stepped out of the house and asked who's with my friend, I found out that she's alone and my mind stopped me from going to the woods. When I checked the time it was already 11 and might not be enough to go for a hike.
So again, I opted to stay and just meet my friend somewhere in the city. Besides, we haven't seen each other yet for a long time. *sigh* another drawing about going to the Sweet Gum Woods. I might just visit the mountain in the 1st week of the new year.
At North Point, I met my friend and she bought lunch and a gift for me. I felt ashamed as I didn't bring anything for her. I might just give her something the next time we saw each other. I didn't expect the weather to be colder and gloomy, and I was only wearing a jersey jacket, lol. I wanted to go back home but it would be a waste of time, so I just wrapped my scarf around my neck to alleviate the cold. And despite wearing an undershirt warmer, I still feel cold.
First Time Experience at Jesus is Lord Church
My friend invited me to attend a different church at Jesus Is Lord Church. And I truly experienced a very different kind of mass, if that was what they call it. People were singing, raising their hands, and praying fervently to God. And I even got emotional when everyone offered their prayers and saw how they were devoted and sincere. I, on the other hand, bowed my head, feel the presence of God, and offered my prayers to him.
After giving the words of God, the assigned groups performed on the stage and they danced along with the songs for God. Meanwhile, others were singing and clapping their hands on their seats.
Before the program ended, we, the new visitors were told to stand and they welcomed and offered prayers for us. Everyone was friendly and welcomed us with smiles on their faces. And the leader of the cluster where my friend belongs gave me a t-shirt with "Jesus, the indescribable gift" on it.
It was raining when we stepped out of the church so we opted to visit Landmark Central since we can't roam around the city. Besides, she didn't visit the Christmas displays in that place yet.
After taking photos, we just bought food for dinner at Worldwide Central and went back home due to limited time.
My day wasn't boring at all as I experienced new things, heard the words of God, met new people from JIL church, and of course, saw my friend again after a long time. If there was something I learned from this day, it was: "Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done." -Colossians 2:7
Some people would take small things and blessings for granted and don't even know how to say thank you to God and the gift-givers. For instance, when someone receives $1 from you, he won't say anything. But if he receives $100, he would be grateful to you. When someone gets a job that offers a low salary, it's not a big deal to him. But when he gets a high position that offers a high salary, he would be so thankful and proud.
In my recent giveaways, I truly appreciated those who say thank you for what they received. Some would continuously receive something from us (upvotes and sponsorships), but they would just ignore us, nor drop by and say hello or thank you. It seems like the small amount they are receiving isn't worth saying "thank you." I know we should not expect anything in return when helping others, but, have you not been taught of saying "thank you" or appreciating the small things you received from others?
Regardless of the amount, we should always be grateful for whatever we have received, small or big because it is still a blessing. We should not forget to say "thank you" to someone who did good things for us, especially to Him who always blessed us and who sacrificed everything for the sake of our salvation.
Each day you wake up alive is a blessing. Each night you hit the sack, safe and sound, is a blessing. Every food you have on your table is a blessing. Be grateful that you have a roof to stay comfortable, clothes to keep your body warm, any job that supports your needs, a body that still kicking, a mind that is still working, and that fingers of yours that are still capable of tapping your phone so you could do whatever you want online, that keeps filling your pocket and helps to suffice your needs in life.
Be grateful for who you are. Be grateful for what you have, and things that are yet to come.
Thank you for reading another rambling of mine. Have a nice day.
©read.cash/@Jane (All Rights Reserved 2021)
I've also noticed that for a long time here. You tip people constantly and they don't thank you but a lesser amount of patronage they put up with lights and sounds of joy. I don't get it. I hope you get a better opportunity to go out and have fun.