Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is not something that Elena and I put very much effort into celebrating, because we always felt that if you really care about someone, anyday and everyday should be like Valentine's. This year however, we made an exception, as there was a fundraiser organised by Andrew & Grace Home (AG Home) where the girls put up a full three course dinner (including wine, music etc) as a fundraiser for their Skills Development Project. Tables were going at $100 per couple, but we thought since it was for a good cause, why not?

The place was really nicely done up, with tablecloth, soft lighting, candles on the table, and each table immaculately set. The girls (many of them evidently nervous!) were attentive as waitresses and stewards and carried out their duties for the night very admirably. Of course, anything that involves Pastor Andrew would also involve music, and true to form, there was plenty of entertainment from the girls and Pastor Andrew, including their own version of a karang-guni band that played percussions on normal household items, which was really good!

The dinner itself was spectacular as well; the food was really good, from the starter (mango prawn salad) to the dessert (champagne pear with strawberries). All in all, it was a very nice way to spend Valentine's for a good cause, and it was a good opportunity for us to show our support to the fantastic work that Andrew & Grace are doing!

On another note, I also had the chance to share a short message with the youth at the last cool meeting just this past Sunday, which was organised for Valentine's Day. As I was preparing my sharing, it dawned on me that Elena and I have celebrated 17 Valentine's Days since we've met....half a lifetime! We screened a short move clip to the youth called Flame by Rob Bell, and it was an interesting commentary on Song of Songs, and the three types of love that are dealt with in Song of Songs. The Hebrew words were used: raya (friendship), a'hava(unconditional commitment) and dode (erotic or sexual love).

As I was preparing the sharing, it made me realise how blessed I am to have the relationship that I have with my wife. I told the youth that I can honestly say that I married my best friend, and we are each others soulmates. I was telling them how I refer to her as my other half, because without her I don't feel complete. (I know, mushy stuff like that...) Seriously, I was encouraging them to look out for the partner that God has intended for them, and not to waste that gift that God has given to them on just anyone, but rather to wait on God's timing, so that they can really enjoy the flame that God has intended for them.

I hope it made sense and drove the point home to them; we were very aware that they have constantly been told what NOT to do in a relationship, and we, the youth leaders, figured that perhaps it was time to guide the youth in telling them what to do instead.

Anyway, Happy Valentine's, one and all, and may your days with your loved ones be as numerous as the stars, filled with joy and the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life!