Sunday, November 26, 2006

ANOTHER EID

Ramadhan came and went..and so did Hari Raya Aidilfitri..the wonderful Eid. I decided not to take any cookie orders because i wanted to drink the wonderful blessings of Ramadhan and not battle away baking during the last few nights of the Beautiful Month. Even though those who went to the mosque were not welcoming, but God's house opens its doors and arms to us..and it was wonderful nestling in the Cradle and warmth of its arms again...In spite of that, He provided as He promised..for He never breaks His promise..We had a wonderful time as a family, I managed to earn enough to buy each of you new clothes. And nice ones too. We even managed to go back home to Penang and had a grand time in a long long time. We made your grandmother extremely happy, we visited my auntie Na..and her family..these are the only family left for my children and me. And the best part was my sister went home too..so it was a grand family get together.
Closer to home, it was a pretty isolated Raya for us. Neighbours did open houses but we were not invited for any one of them, but hey it doesn’t matter..I didn’t open my house, so why should they open their houses to my family. I know that even if you all said it is okay, it hurts inside..it is okay..really..always be sure that there is always something to learn from all these..you just have to be patient. Normally lessons we can learn are not discernable in an instant, such is God's ways..but i must say that the most obvious is ..if you ever do one in the future..open house, or any form of invitation..never isolate anyone..especially those who appear to be lesser than you..
My friend once told me..don’t look at Islam from the way the Muslims react..always turn to God .
But of course..where else can you turn..everything belongs to Him..we live from His ever infinite Mercy and Grace the One and only God. But my dear friend..what is faith if it has no followers. It is the followers that carry the integrity of the faith..people cannot see the manifestation of the faith unless it is practiced by us humans, hence where else can you look, for the merits of a faith if not at the followers. I am not the best of followers, but we should always strive to be..baby steps, one at a time..and always remember He can always change our hearts. So pray that He keeps our heart on the right path..regardless. Many people will applaud at our isolation, my dear children..but it is ok, because it is not they who judge us in the end. We just do our best, and always be thankful for everything that He has given us..remember, so much has changed for the better and only He deserve the credit for that..

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Author unknown.