Lesson of the year

I usually take quite a long time to read a book but in two days, I have finished reading Tuesdays with Morrie. Even R was surprised. When I returned the book to him (it belongs to his sister), he went "So fast?"

Yeah. I guess that meant it is a good book.

Because it is.

...

You must be quite familiar with the contents even though you may not have read it yourself. It is a New York Bestseller so I would assume everyone kind of know what happens in the story.

Yes, it is a story. But it is a true story, I think.

For about fourteen Tuesdays (I think), the author visits his ex-Professor as the latter rests at home due to ALS.

It is their final thesis together, the Professor would say.

The Professor was dying but he decided to make the awaiting of death his final project.

He decided not to wallow in self-pity but instead dedicate his time to more meaningful things.

I am glad he did.

...

The Professor talked about many things, all of which are meaningful.

The fact is, I like it so much that it really doesn't matter even if it is fiction made-up. I willingly buy the story. Fully. Whole-heartedly.

I like how the Professor (and also the author) handle the many issues. From money to the value of life to the essence of love.

You see, we all know these things. We all do.

We all know there is no value chasing after material things. We only end up chasing for more.

But we still crave for it.

We all know we should forgive one another for past hurts and grievances. We only end up with more hatred.

But we still harbour all those evil sentiments.

We all know that we need one another. Humans are a society that need to work with, live with and love one another.

But we end up building little walls surrounding us.

Don't ask me why. I don't have the answers.

But I do know: When death stares at us in the face, all the truth will be revealed.

That is why I say, we all know the truth. We just pretend it doesn't exist because, because we think of ourselves as immortal.

But...we are not.

...

I am just returned from a morning hanging around old folks.

First, R and I visited Ah Kook in the Home. She is our friend.

I can't say I can relate to her very well. I try.

Before, I used to be terribly afraid of old people. After interacting with her, I am not so afraid.

Then, a few of us went to the Gift of Love Home in Thomson Road.

We didn't do much, unfortunately, but we gave them a small token for Christmas.

I am actually quite tired now, but I am happy about how my day has been spent so far.

In a moment, I am leaving the house for Mass. It is the Feast Day of my Church.

I am listening to 'The Priests' Album now. It leaves me inspired and serene.

It is a good day. And for a while. my days have all been very good.

I am glad.

...

I have been feeling inspired these few days.

Maybe it has something to do with Tuesdays with Morrie. All those lessons.

Maybe it is the trip to Ipoh. The blessing of good weather and nice people.

I know for sure, God's grace has something to do with it.

For that, I am glad. Very glad.

Sometimes, when I hear of people complaining about the Catholic Church and its many rules and how they are suffocating and I cannot understand, I am very glad.

I would rather not understand them than have feel that myself.

I am very settled in my faith so far and I am really happy.

...

It is a long rambling entry.

Sorry!

But...as 2008 ends and 2009 approaches, maybe it is time you also take an introspective view of your life.

Has the year been very good?

Or has it been bad?

Have you been happy? Doing meaningful things?

Or have you been chasing one shadow after another.

This past year, I have learnt and appreciated the lesson of mortality somewhat.

I hope you will find your lesson too.