School's out, and life just got busier.
Two weeks before the exams I had painted a rosy picture of pure decadence: I was lying on soft fluffy mattresses, with large plump pillows, snuggly blankets, mellow orange lighting, and the air-con on. The ambient music shall be 'Sentimental" by Kenny G (just listen to it and u'll know why), and I'll be balancing a tray on my stomach. On it would be my laptop- with one tab tuned to facebook, and beside the laptop would be a tub of chocolate ice-cream. I carried that ideal throughout reading week and right into the exams. I thought I was going to bum my way through those five papers, apparently I did.
That rosy mental imagery never came to life, though. Immediately after the exams I had been whisked away by an onslaught of commitments and preparations it became increasingly difficult to make time out for myself. Basic theory of driving came the day after the last paper, and following which would be a bevy of driving practical lessons (33 subjects) leading to the final practical test. Then came physical trainings that would stretch on till mid June, 20 sessions each taking up 4 hours at a time. SEng camp came shortly after on the 11th-13 June, bringing about a commitment to move on from personal concerns to an outreach to the community and back to Him. Following which, came about the preparations for the freshmen orientation camp- I had initially wanted to come in as a befriender- to sit in on afternoons and chill, yet from the unfolding of events it seems that I am now instead a facilitator of this cute group: "bloop bloop bloop" and tasked with a sharing session with the freshies about my journey into CSS. Peppered in between these days would be catch-ups with friends old and new, all of which I take pride in attendance.
Well at least this time it wasn't that bad. I had tried to make an conscious effort to not let myself be carried away by the technicalities of these activities and meet-ups. It was simply not worth compromising personal spiritual development for all the rah-rah-ness of FOC, or for the gah-ness of training, or for whatever-come-lately. Lately I've been lurking a little longer than usual on Facebook, trying identify and catch up with groups of people I have not contacted recently, and hopefully plan occasions to meet and celebrate a couple of belated birthdays. Prayers come in pretty often now (well slightly more than before the exams), and I hope this keeps up. Most importantly, there will be a need for me this week to find a few half-days to sit down and spiritually prepare myself for this upcoming FOC. Amidst all the fun and games, service and socializations, there needs to be an underlying understanding that all these are done not for the sake of fun, or personal achievements- but rather for the building up of His community in His Grace.
Nevertheless, easier said than done. What I see in-front of me would be the most taxing three weeks of my life, with FOC, driving and reservist to sum up the trainings. Till July comes with cake, and hopefully some good old fashion nuah-time. In the meantime this balance needs to hold- one fine line between productivity and burning out, and the other fine line between doing for the sake of His glory, and doing for the sake of doing/ my own glory. Still, I would definitely appreciate the occasional hello/ meet up.
Yes people, stay safe this summer- and have fun!
