Out with the old, in with the new

At the time of writing this, it is approximately 12 hours to the dawn of the new year. Looking back, this is has been a somewhat interesting year for me. I feel rather melancholic now, knowing that 2004 is coming to an end and 2005 is just around the corner. It's simply amazing how time flies. This year has seen me doing things which I have never done before. This blogging thing, for example, is one of them :) However, I do regret not starting it earlier... it somehow grows on you. Also, what I am most thankful for this year is for getting to know people whom I have since formed close relationships with. All of you have truly made this year special for me and I certainly hope our friendship will carry on next year, and the next... and the next.. :)
It never fails to surprise me how people can have such an impact on my life, sometimes even without me knowing it. I tend to think of myself as not so much of a people-oriented person, but more of a task-oriented person. Before this, I never placed much emphasis on forming relationships with people, but this year has shown me the value of close friendship and again I regret not regarding people as important in my life. Sigh... it just shows that life has many more lessons to teach me.
Another thing which I am grateful for is that this year I have been able to extend my ministry in church beyond the corner of the musical instruments of which I have stood for the past 7 years. I do remember that I did say quite some time ago in a cell group meeting that I would like to serve in other areas and I specifically mentioned childrens' ministry. Which is why you should never say things that you don't mean... God hears you! This year, it has been my privelege to help in the KidsGames held for one week during the school holidays. At first, I volunteered my help out of necessity but I must say that I have absolutely no regrets. To see 800 over children praising and worshipping God is a rewarding sight in itself. To see so many of them being saved and accepting Jesus into their lives... the feeling is indescribable. After the event was over, I thought that was that. However, whoever said that God works in mysterious ways could not have been more true. A few weeks after that, the youth ministry intern called me up and said that pastor wants all the youth leaders to serve once a month in childrens' church as a team. After hearing that, I could only say...wow... God has granted the desire of my heart which I myself had forgotten after such a long time.
2005 is a mere 11 hours away now. It has not been a habit of mine to make new year resolutions all these years, but to keep up with my tradition this year of doing things which I have never done before, I think I have just enough time to add one more new thing to my list. So till next year, here's wishing all of you a blessed 2005!