May You Have a Peaceful New Year

Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

This verse came to mind suddenly while I was just thinking about some good things today this morning - a much better contrast to my melancholy last night. Perhaps God's gentle reminder to me? :)

Another translation:

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.

Reminded of the importance of peace. One professor of Chinese culture was being interviewed in the Sunday Times yesterday. And he quipped that it's because of gambling that people wish each other 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' = meaning wealth and prosperity. That's why people don't wish each other 'Gong Xi Ping An' (meaning may you have much peace) or some other beautiful phrase.

I know the good prof was saying that half-tongue in cheek, but it was good food for thought. There's another article that talks about how young working people in China are scared to go back home, not because of 'when are you going to get married', but because they have to give angpows! Over there it's the tradition to give angpows when you first start work. (Thank God I live in SINGAPORE... haha) So they aren't too peaceful about the whole thing, especially when there's a lot of concern about 'saving face', an important thing in any Asian culture.

Peace. It's such a sweet thing - and so rare, especially in the hustle and bustle of meeting people all around. Not to say that peace is merely the absence of conflicts or quarrels. Or peace is the silence that you get by being alone. No, peace's something better (and stronger) than that. It's the blessedness of knowing that all shall work out well in God's hands no matter what your fears for the years be.

:)

Yup. Back to thinking true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. =)