Jer 23:5-8
Mt 1:18-24
…a name which means ‘God is with us.’
As I write this reflection, the Lord continues to lay His hands on me and guide me through perhaps one of the most tumultuous years in my ‘not so young’ life (I turn 58 today). Last week, we moved out of our family home of forty years, and I continue to live with my 84-year old mother and her 87-year old brother (who is recovering well from a recent colon operation).
Needless to say, managing the entire move (it took 3 full days) took its toll on me, both physically and emotionally. By day 4, I had to see a physiotherapist to relieve my lower back (which had tightened up after more than a week of carrying boxes to and from the old house to our current space). I also realised that I was getting more impatient and my natural ‘defence mechanism’ of walking away from a situation (or a family member) was becoming more frequent.
Thankfully, the new space has finally afforded me some form of a ‘sanctuary’ of sorts. I have a spacious, quiet room where I can just close the door and bask in His presence as I pray or be silent. Perhaps all the baggage of the previous house is now left behind and I have been given a chance to reconfigure a new space to my own liking.
And last weekend, a priest friend came over to bless the house. At the end of the very thorough blessing (he started at the gate, then progressed to the rest of the house), he ‘innocently’ asked if anyone was celebrating a birthday soon. Of course, all eyes and fingers (my mum had invited some family members including a few cousins of mine) pointed to me. As everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’, I felt the Holy Spirit coming over me and I finally felt ‘settled’ into this new home.
Looking back on the past few weeks and months (ever since we sold the previous house), I can certainly recognise God’s hand in many of the decisions that we had to make in order to ensure a smooth transition. All this while, I had never doubted that God would lead and guide me through this potentially harrowing period. Today, I would like to ask everyone to pray for those who continue to struggle due to redundancies, medical issues/conditions and divorces/separation from loved ones. Whatever situations/challenges we face in life, brothers and sisters, it is our God who will see us through and deliver us from our desolation. All He asks is for us to trust in Him…
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Father, you alone are our waymaker, miracle worker, our eternal light and the cornerstone of all our lives. We pray that you continue to lead us and show us your guiding hand in all that we do.
Thanksgiving: Thank you for never abandoning us and for always assuring us that You are with us through it all.
OXYGEN 
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