Once "I Am Taken".

Now "I Am Broken".

This mug was given to me by my wifey during my birthday in our first year of marriage. That was in 8 October 2008. After serving me faithfully for close to 6 years, it finally retired from service on 21 September 2014. During this long period of 6 years, this is the only mug that I used day in and day out. Without any shadow of doubt, it has indeed served its purpose.

As I am writing down the eulogy of my mug, I can't help but to relate the life of this mug to our walk with God. We were once "taken" by God and that marked the beginning of our walk with Him as young Christians. At the very beginning of this walk, we tend to come before God in our self-made and self-justified splendour and glory. But as God begins to use us more and more, this self-made and self-justified splendour and glory slowly losses its twinkle and shine. We begin to realise that we were not so righteous and "clean" after all. But the good news is that God continues to use us and call us His own. In fact, He loves this "mug" so much because as this mug began to serve His "favourite coffee" day in and day out, the smell of the coffee started lingering stronger and stronger on this mug.

The more this mug was used, the more it experienced wear and tear until eventually it become broken! Similarly, as God continues to use us and work through us, He allows us to go through trials and tribulation that eventually caused us to become broken. 

A broken spirit and a contrived heart, this He will not despised.

The evidence of God's working in a person's life is the degree of brokenness of his spirit.  Even though my mug is now broken, I have never once despise it. In fact, till now I still love my mug and my mug will always have a special place in my heart as long as I live... Because it had served me well in its lifetime. 

My last update was dated 19 August 2011. Yes! 2011! That was slightly more than 3 years ago. Xavier was only about 13 months old (1 day before he reached 13th months) then. Time and tides wait for no man and just as much as I hope that time will come to a standstill so that I could savour the sweetness of his toddler's year, standing before me now is a charming and cheeky boy. 

Today marked an important milestone of his growing up years. Today is the first school excursion he has without daddy and mummy by his side. Since last night, wifey and myself could sense that he was rather apprehensive. Just as much as he tried to hide it, nothing escapes daddy and mummy's eyes. Asked him several times if he was ok. As usual, he replied "ok" in a barely audible voice which has become a tell-tale sign whenever he is feeling frightened.

Finally the time for him to put on his uniform and made his way to the school. Try asking anyone in the family and they will all unanimously agreed that it is almost impossible to stop Xavier from talking and asking questions for someone who is so active and curious. However,  at this point onwards, he started to become very quiet and his expression tells it all.

Simply can't describe the ernomous pride I feel whenever I see him wearing his school uniform. I am simply so so proud of my little man.

He kept very quiet throughout the journey to his school. All he did was just holding on tightly to my hand. Finally, we reached his school. Sensing that he was trying very hard to hide his fear, I knelt down and hugged him tightly, assuring him that I was very proud of him and that he was doing great. At this point, he finally broke down and cried. He said he was scared and wanted me to go with him. I wished I could but even if I could, I won't. That's because I believe and have faith in my little man, that he is a brave and independant boy who is able to overcome all odds and that includes his fear. 

To cut the long strong short, he did it and I am so proud of him. 

Before he board the bus,he was very happy to hear that I will be at his school to pick him up after his excursion. So, happily he boarded the bus. And off the bus went.

I am looking forward to his return and listening to his adventure. When that happens, he will just keep on talking and talking non-stop. Meanwhile, let me just enjoy this short-lived peace.