Quite Time Journal Entry 23/9/2011

2 years ago, I wrote this entry in my journal. Today, I looked at it again and am amazed that I have forgotten it and as well, have forgotten the grace that God has given me. Please, Lord, forgive a selfish man and renew a steadfast spirit in me.

The entry goes:

"O what grace it is to be loved by One so amazing. To be constantly pursued by a love so strong that i breaks through the toughest walls. What am I? Who am I that I should deserve such grace, such mercy? I am only a man, capable only of sin and death. Short-lived and short capacity. Prone to fall away and prone to rebellion. Only hurt will I cause to those who are close to me. What could I offer to One so great? Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small. O how I am so forgetful of the grace poured out on me.

What dreams You have given me. Wonderful dreams. To see the fulfillment of Your promises, O God. To see the faithfulness of God in my life. What a precious thing.

O God, my heart is grateful but I'm not content. I want to know You more. There is nothing here on earth except service to You and the inheritance You've given me. This longing in my heart aches and longs for Your presence. Despite its pride, stubbornness and filth, it longs for the greatness of God. My soul, my heart longs for the Eternal One. I am hopelessly in love with One who can satisfy me.”

- The Nothingness of man cries out to the Everythingness of God-

The Gold Standard

I'm an economic idiot. I disliked studying economics in school and failed accounting twice in college. Since then, I assumed that I'm just not made to be in the business realm of things and try to be one of those surviving the rat race hoping that by some miracle, I could strike it rich. Wishful thinking...

This year, I felt compelled to start looking up into the subject of business and finance. For some reason, my appetite and thirst for financial knowledge opened up and I started to consume it bit by bit. What I found is that globally, people are talking about the 'incident that happened in 1971'. Anyone who has background knowledge in economics would know immediately what I'm talking about. It was perhaps the move that changed the world to become what it is today. It revolutionised money and for the last 40 years, the possibilities of becoming wealthy was endless for anyone smart enough to ride on it. However, the ride seems to be coming to an end.

In 1971, the US dollar was taken off the gold standard and money was no longer called money but currency. I'm no an economist so I won't attempt to explain what was before and after. What I do know is that the US dollar was without accountability. What I mean is that before 1971, the US dollar was valued against the gold value and after 1971, the US dollar was valued at whatever the banks say.

Since then, the word 'currency' is used because the money is 'current' to what it is valued at that time. Money became out of control and the value of 1 US dollar today is less than its value 40 years ago. Today, people are talking about millions and billions about a certain thing when its actual value is less today than what it was then. Currency today has created a false mask over money's actual value. Will the currencies of the world go back to the gold standard? I don't know. If it does, there would be a major shift in economic strengths and there would be many outcries all over the world. In order for our currency to go back to the gold standard, a catalyst would be needed to bridge the gap.

I can't help but compare this to God. It is said that when God created the world, He gave us His standards of living. Rights and wrongs. Justice and mercy. Failing to live up to His standards meant only death. Who then is able to live up to it since man is finite and God infinite? Does God take pleasure over our agony of striving to live to His standards? Does He smirk and grin whenever He sees us trying and fail? Is He a God that has a hand on a lightning bolt ready to strike at us?

Like the gold standard, aligning ourselves with God's standards is impossible since God demands righteous living without sin. Only by a catalyst would we be able to align ourselves.

Heavenly Photography

A snapshot of time is what photography is all about. God, being God, does not need to look back at photographs to remember a moment in time. I was watching Rob Bell's 'Everything Is Spiritual' message and really like the way he described God's relationship with time. The reason being because it was very similar to what I thought of it as well.

When I first heard that God is beyond time, I could not understand as everything was bound by time. But the more I thought about it. The more I realise that God can move anywhere in time. It's like time to Him is like a board game. We're the little totems that can only move forward but He watches from above and decides when He wants to appear. It's mind boggling to think that God can enter this year of 2011 but at the same time, can enter the year os 1011 or even 3011 (if time still exists then).

Rob Bell describes our relationship to time as being one-dimensional. We can only move forward. But God being multi-dimensional sees time in all of its axes and He can switch between looking at it linearly or not. Time is like an object that He can take in His hand and view it from all around. It's crazy to think that my God is so awesome!

These days, it's been raining constantly with rain, lightning and thunder. I always feel like God is traveling to and fro in time to save mankind or to intervene. It's either that or He just wants to take our picture. So smile ... He's watching you.

Familiarity and Continuity

I love coming to Starbucks. Whenever I'm in a new place, my eye is always on the look out for the recognisable white crowned mermaid on green logo. Like a beacon of light, it beckons me to come and sit and relax. From the outlook to the beverages and everything else, it's all the same. You can expect the same service, the same ambience, the same chairs and tables, the same internet name (or close enough). It is familiar and gives me a sense of continuity that even though I'm in a new place, I will still be able to have my Hazelnut Latte the way I like it. 

That is what makes a successful franchise. Familiarity and continuity. Whoever came up with the idea of franchising had the future in mind. But apart from that, it has become an essential part of the modern lifestyle. Most people expect themselves to go traveling at least once a year. And when they arrive at their destination, they expect to see the popular and famous brand names., thinking that because they are so famous, it is only natural that everyone knows about them. 

"Starbucks? What's that? Some online game currency?", "Is A&W root beer alcoholic?", "Is that Baba John's or Papa John's?" ... The shock that comes to one's face when they hear these kinds of ridiculous comments is funny. To some, it is unthinkable that there would be anyone in the world that has never heard of McDonald's or Starbucks. But I'm getting ahead of myself. 

What was on my mind right now is that familiarity and continuity are essential in any person's life. It brings meaning and stable ground. It reminds a person where they come from and who they are. It's not only about brand names but it could be physical aspect like a house, mall or training ground. It could also be psychological aspect like tradition and religion. Emotional aspect like a Sunday school song or a love letter. 

Whatever they are, it is good to reflect on them once in a while to remind yourself of something familiar so as to bring continuity in your life. Most people are 'lost' because they have forgotten, either by will or by circumstance, the familiar things of the past. 

As the ancient Maori proverb says, "We walk backwards into the future, our eyes fixed on the past."

Application: Do take some time now and look at things around you. What are some familiar things around you? A picture? A song that's playing right now? A book? A friend? Then close your eyes and ask yourself what is familiar about them? It'll be good to write down your thoughts.