Back to the classroom ...

Ok, so I just signed up for a 3-month, once-weekly, 2-credit bible course on the "Life of Christ". Shouldn't be a problem I thought ... after all, I had more than 20 years of classroom experience under my belt. (besides, I don't think they're as stringent at bible college - I whispered to myself.)

Boy, was I wrong.

I was given what I thought was a 100+ page textbook on the harmony of the gospels. Then the real textbook came - all 500+ pages. Essential reading.

Then the first lesson last night. Homework. Every week. 2 written assigments. She will mark it depending on whether we were Bachelor's or Master's level. Both research based. Bibliographies needed from at least 5 academic sources ... Should be quite fun, I thought ... Until I read the questions ... *faint*

I finally chose my topic "Background study on the Jewish attitude towards the Sabbath." Mucked around the internet for a while. Gave up. Emailed the lecturer for pointers. In all my 20 years of schooling, I had NEVER emailed my lecturer for help.
Guess it's never too late to start.

The lecturer started the evening with a prayer, that the study would warm our hearts. At the end of the 2 hours, she exhorted us into action, based on what we had learnt. Then she prayed again for us. For one with an attention span of 20 minutes and a 1 hour bladder capacity, I was amazed I sat through all 2 hours ! (of course with the mandatory toilet break but nothing else !)

I left the class of 10 (comprising a Korean, an Indonesian, an NSF, a psychiatrist, a lawyer/judge I dunno, a few more I intend to get to know), feeling strangely warmed in my heart and stirred in my spirit, excited to have learnt new things from old scriptures of my Lord.

I can't wait for the next lesson.

To know, but to do ?

Yesterday's sermon was on "Treating people right". We learnt not to discriminate against or "towards" people, regardless of their status, race etc. Today, at work, I learnt it wasn't enough to just know about it. It is often necessary to do something about it.

We had 2 different ladies in labour today.

One was the First Lady of a certain neighbouring country. Her arrival created a not very small upheaval in our ward. The doors to other rooms had to be closed, hospital administration cleared the way for her arrival and the sisters actually "stood at attention" to welcome her.

The other was an over-stayer from a certain neighbouring country - a Cat A prisoner. Her arrival created a not very small upheaval in our ward - she was accompanied by 2 female guards. The door to her room had to be closed and the guards stay with her 24 hours to make sure she didn't run away - as if she could... she was strapped to the bed. But what made me mad was when I tried ordering pain relief for her labour pains. I was told by the guards. "You need to write a memo and fax it to our officer." Ok, I did it twice. She still didn't progress in her labour and the pains were becoming unbearable. I ordered an epidural.
"Oh... No, She can't have an epidural"
"Oh? Why?"
"She can't. I think it's a cost issue."
"Cost ? I pay taxes right?"
"Er .. ya. We also pay taxes."
"I don't understand. She needs an epidural. Who can I speak to ?"

In short, I had to call the HQ. Speak to the higher-ups. Get them to fax a form. Fill up the form. Fax it back. Wait for it to get approved. By which time, I half expected the baby to have swum out already ...
She finally got her epidural.


Two ladies. Both in labour. One was privileged. The other "unacceptable" (in the words of the movie "Terminal"). One could have whatever she asked for. The other was refused the basic relief from pain.
Could I have done nothing ? Of course. To do something more was really inconvenient. After all, I was already taking care of her as my patient - I didn't discriminate against her even though she was a "criminal" in the eyes of the law.
What if I did nothing ? Would I not have given my approving nod to what was already accorded to her - discrimination from quality care ?

Maybe mental "indiscrimination" is just not enough.

Godspeak

God speaks in mysterious ways. Sometimes, He whispers. Other times, He shouts. Oftentimes, I'm too deaf to hear either way.

What then does He do to get my attention ? He removes my distractions. He removes me from my distractions. Oftentimes, I'm still too distracted to hear. It gets too quiet.

Then He brings people along the way. Innocent comments that speak straight to the heart. He brings situations along the way. Innocent events that remind me of His Word.

Too deaf and distracted. Too stubborn and proud. Too fearful.

And still He continues to whisper. Still He remains patient.

A little self discovery

Tomorrow I present my scientific findings to an international community (sounds glamorous but nothing really, I just put up a scientific poster ... no need to talk).

I thought nothing of it initially... until it struck me. Meeting all these brilliant researchers from all over the world, seeing their life work, their enthusiasm to share with the rest of the world their projects made me wonder what we Christians are doing with the greatest "discovery" that this world has ever,will ever and must ever know.

Imagine substituting every one of these brilliant scientists with a Christian, each telling the world his or her great discovery of the GOD of the universe. Imagine every Christian able to substantiate his claim in front of a questioning audience, doubly and triply sure that his story should be told to as many as will hear.

...

Let's not even imagine. We HAVE the greatest discovery of all. Should it not compel us to want to tell the whole world what we have found ? But what do we do ? We hide our light under the bushel. We are too shy. (Too shy ? Because we do not believe ? Because the good news ain't good enough we fear ? Because we are afraid the world won't believe us ? Does it make our news any less worthy if they reject it ?)

So what's my little scientific discovery compared to the LOVE of GOD revealed to me ?
I have travelled half the world to share science. Where have I gone to share HIS LOVE ?

...

Tomorrow I present my scientific findings to an international community.

So what ?

Alone in Sweden

It must be divine providence to provide for my own room and time off from everyone else today. Now sitting in an internet cafe typing out my thoughts... later I will seek out the cheapest and hottest dinner for tonight - most likely a trip to 7-11 for Maggi Mee - that is, if there is such a thing here.

Most importantly I look forward to a quiet evening between me and my Creator.

Ok... time's up. The guy just told me my 15 min - 5 Kroners worth is up.

Time to talk to Him.