beautifulandhappy.com

Uncertain about how your life would turn in 2008? Are you not sure of a better year ahead? As a new year dawns, we sometimes have this hanging question — what lies ahead for us this coming year? I for one, is a little anxious on how 2008 would fare compared to 2007. I couldn’t say that this year is perfect, coz there are lots of ups and downs, but the mere fact that I am here writing in this blog means I have overcome most of my trials! Sure, it’s not yet a clean slate, but I am very thankful I have passed many struggles this year and I am very much looking forward for 2008.

For the last 2 years now (this is my third), I read Chinese Astrology forecasts every new year. I am a dragon, and most of the forecasts I read talks about a so-so year. Not that I am 100% astrology believer, coz most forecasts are general, but I just use that as a simple guide - precaution on possible things that could transpire. Nevertheless, despite my belief and fascination to horoscopes and astrology, I have more faith in the absolute divine powers of God. Nothing, not even the stars can beat God.

In the first place, God is the Creator of the universe, right? One big tip: So why should we worry about our problems and the future? Yes, life is full of uncertainties but for sure God will take care of us. (I will surely take this tip into my head, heart and soul! I forget this sometimes, hence some anxiety attacks, LOLS!) Just like what’s said in the Bible, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and have made the Lord their hope and confidence” (Jeremiah 17:7).

Anyways, while I was arranging my kids’ books, I stumbled on this storytime tale, “If You Hold My Hand.” I don’t know the author, but the story is simple yet lovely. It tells of a young rabbit who is scared to explore the world and yet, by holding his mother’s hand overcome all his fears. Reading this story reminds me of how my kids would cling on to my hand, whenever they are afraid. Or when they were sick, I’d try to hold their hands more often and giving it a little squeeze - some reassurance that they will get well really soon. Some trick, but it really works.

On the other hand, the mother rabbit in the story could be your very own mother or father, your wife or husband, friends or siblings - anyone you really trust. In many circumstances, whenever we are afraid to face the world before us, there is always somebody’s hand that we could hold on to. When we’re about to falter, there would always be a strong person we could lean on. Or when we feel everyone else deserted us, there’s always one hand we could hold on to - Jesus - offering us not just one hand, but His open arms!!

So, I am again leaving you with this question - uncertain about how your life would turn in 2008? Just read this story:

If you hold my hand

“Come on, Oakey,” his mum called from the front door. “Let’s go and explore.” But Oakey wasn’t sure, the world looked big and scary.

“Only if you promise to hold my hand,” said Oakey.

So Oakey’s mum led him down the long lane, holding his hand. “This looks like a playground, especially this slide. Would you like to try?” asked Oakey’s mum.

Oakey saw the ladder stretch right up the sky. “I am only small,” said Oakey. “I can’t climb that high - unless you hold my hand.” And Oakey did it! “Wheee! Did you see me?” he cried.

“We’ll take a short cut through the wood,” said Oakey’s mum.

“I’m not sure,” said Oakey. “It looks dark in there. Well, I suppose we could - will you hold my hand?” And Oakey did it! “Boo! I scared you!” he cried.

Deep in the wood, Oakey found a stream, shaded by beautiful tall trees. “Stepping stones, look!” said Oakey’s mum. “Could you jump across these?”

“Mmm…maybe,” said Oakey. “I just need you to hold my hand, please.” And Oakey did it! One…two…three…four… “Now it’s your turn, Mum,” cried Oakey, holding out his hand.

Beyond the wood, Oakey and his mum ran up the hill, and down the other side, all the way down to the sea. “Come on, Oakey,” called his mum. “Would you like to paddle in the sea with me?”

But the sea looked very big, and he was only small. Suddenly, Oakey knew that didn’t matter at all. He turned to his mum and smiled…

“I can do anything if you hold my hand,” he said.