Workers in the Vineyard

Just got my variable bonus from my company on the Wed. This was a bonus paid out to employees based on our performance in the year that just passed. As such, some got higher bonuses and some got lower. I wasn't one of the higher ones...

Naturally, the first thought that came to my mind was "Why liddat?". I had worked hard this year, even stayed back a couple of nights to get things done, and also made efforts to do beyond what was expected of me. So why didn't I get it?

This (self-righteous) thought did not last very long as God reminded me of the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matt 20:1-15).

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matt 20:1-15)

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.” So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, “Why have you been standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.”

“So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, “Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.” And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, “These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.” But he answered one of them and said, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?”

Think many people would feel that they have been shortchanged when they see others treated better than themselves. But is this true? Do we consider if what's given to us as good enough for our side of our bargain?

One very important revelation I got from this parable is that when others are blessed more than you are, it doesn't mean that you are shortchanged. It doesn't matter when you started working in the vineyard, be glad to receive what is due to you! =)

My boss was so kind as to speak to us individually the next day to explain to us why we're getting the bonuses we are getting. He explained the circumstances that lead to the amount that I was getting. Apparently others have done better, so they received more. He also pointed out my weaknesses, and my strengths, and was going to help me develop myself in these areas. I'm so glad that I have a boss who's interested in our personal development and not just our skills.

I'm so glad that I wasn't bitter about the whole issue, because I got what I deserved, and this bonus is actually another denarius over the denarius that I was promised. It doesn't matter if others had gotten extra, I am contented.

But one thing for sure, I'm not going to be slack, and I'll aim for the 2 extra denarius next time round! =)

And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. (Luke 10:7, NKJV)

New Year, New Hopes

Just celebrated my 26th birthday a week back.. =)

As a usual practice, I would review all I've accomplished for the year and see what I can do to end the year with a bang. (Interestingly, September 22 is the 265th day of the year, and there's 100 days to go before the day ends. I din count it, got the info from Wikipedia.) This is also the time when I birth off new visions and dreams, or make new commitments to improve myself. This is more like a new year for me than 1 Jan. =P

I remember God asking me the morning of my birthday, what I want (to see) for this new year, and I told God, let this year be one of growth and breakthrough. And I also remember Pst Kong teaching us the importance of writing our visions down, so, here I am, blogging down my visions for the new year, so I know for sure what I going to break through in. =p
Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Pro 29:18a, KJV)
Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. (Hab 2:2b, NKJV)

My long time vision is to become a singer and song writer for God. It doesn't have to be a full-time profession (though I'll be happy if I can live off music), and it doesn't have to be all spiritual. I want to bring the lessons I have learnt to this world that we live in and shed some light in their lives.

In S'pore, we do not yet have a pop group that's made it big. So why not start with June and I? June's my favourite singer and she does an incredible job at singing, and I can write songs and I can sing (not that incredibly, but still OK I guess).

I know this sounds outrageously incredible, but why not? God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph 3:20). I just need to have the faith for it, and start acting upon my faith! =) I've already laid out plans to do vocal training and song writing each night after I come home, and I'm gonna make sure I stick to it!

Think one major problem I have to correct this year is laziness. I feel totally drained after a full day's work, and I don't feel like doing much when I get home. If I keep doing nothing, I'll accomplish nothing. So this year, I'm going to draw on strength from above and challenge myself to start the other half of my life when I get home.

I know many of us have goals that we want to accomplish but have yet to. There's still 100(-7) days left, let all end the year with a bang! 加油! =)

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Heb 6:11-12, NKJV)

PS: I've attached some photos of my birthday celebrations with my family and cell-group. I love you guys! =)

My family at dinner (celebrating my 1st bro and my bday)

My cell group (with my cake and bullet proof vest =p)

Added a photo of our celebration at my office. My CEO's born just a day after me. =P

Happy Birthday Blog!

Well... Here it is... The birth of my blog... Happy birthday blog! =)

Haha... It's really difficult starting this blog entry; I never quite fancied writing - in fact, I dropped Econs for Further Maths in JC cos Econs had too much text (Xp) - and I'll take ages staring at this blank screen before anything gets onto it. I feel very much like an artist now, staring at blank canvas, waiting for inspiration to come knocking...

Anyway, many thanks to Xiaowei for spurring me to start a blog, think this blog site won't have come into existance if not for her. I promised her I'll create one last cell group meeting, and my character is only as good as my word, so here it is... =P Haha... Xiaowei, you can be the 甘妈 for this blog site liao... =P

Guess this will be a place for me to put down my thoughts, feelings, reflections, revelations, testimonies, creations etc. into some coherent and organised manner bah (I hope...) Was a bit apprehensive about writing blogs cos the last time I tried something like this (writing a diary) it didn't quite work out. I took about a week's worth of notes, and I did a full write up of a day... And no more... =P

Hope this one will last, and I'll find things to share with you... Guess this is a good way for me to think through my days and reflect on the blessings I've received each day... This way I can make each day of my life more meaningful... =) Pretty sure I won't be using this as a whine-box, so if that's what you're looking for, sorry hor, wrong number... =P

OKies, signing off now, got to clear some books June lent me...

Have a great week ahead! God bless! =)

Btw, my bro asked me to put something special on my site, so here it is, just for him -> "something special"...
(Don't mind us, we do this all the time at home... =P)

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps 118:24, NIV)