Twenty O Eight

And here comes Twenty O Eight, another year of struggling in the peat bog of readings, projects and essays, with half of the time spent in oppressive living conditions. School aside, I think I'm pretty much un-antagonistic about this coming year. Surely I cannot expect a smooth-sailing year because challenges and problems are bound to happen, just like how they did last year. 2007, that is. And so, it is wonderful being very much aware that God has been walking alongside me through this university chapter in my life. He has shown me much grace and mercy, that I cannot claim any credit for myself but to love and fear God more. For this, I give God utter thanks and glory for my failures, achievements and growth, spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally.

I'm reminded of the hymn frequently sung watchnight services, Another Year is Dawning (Frances Havergal, 1874).

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

And as it says, another year to walk closer with the Lord, and to do His work. Moses, the world's meekest man ever, prays, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Ps 90:12, AKJV) Be it a year of grace, providence, disciplining or labour, my prayer is to be a faithful steward of His Treasures, that I may not enter the gates of Heaven empty-handed and ashamed of His abundant grace. The suffering people of the early church encouraged each other by greeting each other, "Maranatha" (Jesus is coming). Indeed, Maranatha! Will I come unto His throne empty-handed? Or will I be praised as a good and faithful servant worthy of His Kingdom?