Homebound

One additional perk of being a medical school student was having a big connection established with my dad. Having attended medical school himself, my father would tell me all kinds of stories that I can now understand: what it means to stay up all night for several days to study, what it means to stay up all night for several days to go party. He would also tell me more about his life as a doctor. The work he is doing, the patients he is meeting. 

Just the other day, he told me about a patient who gave him these amazingly expensive gifts out of gratitude. Designer this, designer that. As each day passes, though his body ages, I see him as a greater man. This, however, is not because of how successful he is in the eyes of society, but because he has given me the greatest gift of all: the heritage of faith.

No matter how frail his body may become, I'll always look up to him as the leader of faith in our family. 

Thanks Dad. I love you very much. 

Occupation Resuscitation

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Psalm 84:10

Showing respect for others comes from complete humility. That was the lesson for me today. When at a hair salon, I would always tell the hairdresser that I rarely cared about my hair, that I just wanted to keep it short. Then, the hairdresser would simply cut away in silence. However, today was different. The hairdresser was much more social. She would ask me questions on what I did, how old I was. She would tell me about herself, how long she had been working, her recent breakups and life stories. Maybe I paid more attention, for I thought she was beautiful. Nonetheless, she was done, and I walked away.

At the end of the day, however, it occurred to me that I had completely insulted her. By telling her that I did not care about my hair, I had successfully conveyed my message in that I did not respect her occupation. Perhaps I did not consider her job suitable for the kingdom of God. Such arrogance.

Her occupation may have just as been a gift from God: A royal hairdresser in the courts of Heaven. Who was I to look down upon her? I was but a doorkeeper. The kingdom already had angelic guards and knights. What need was there for a doorkeeper anyways? Perhaps so that I may have something to do, so that I may dwell in the courts of God for whatever reason. I kept forgetting that.

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:4-5

I realized that I had this notion of considering literature, art and all kinds of humanities as of lower value. What need was there for music when the man was simply dying of hunger? That, though, was only my limited view, my secular eyes that could not see beyond the mountains. If God had wanted more decorations in his kingdom, how then should I consider it of lesser value?

Every detail of my life should be considered with its utmost respect, especially people. Everyone should be considered precious, even more so than my life. I need to be in more dependence upon God.

Shining Bass

"In a large house not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Everything has its purpose. Do not let goods or talents go to waste by simply having it shelved somewhere. Let it shine. Remember that. 

Deep Desire

단순한 자리매김은 하고 싶지 않다
하나님께서 원하시는 곳에서 빛을 발하고 싶다

Invictus By William Ernest Henley

Invictus By William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me, 

Black as the Pit from pole to pole, 

I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance 

I have not winced nor cried aloud. 

Under the bludgeonings of chance 

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears 

Looms but the Horror of the shade, 

And yet the menace of the years 

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, 

How charged with punishments the scroll. 

I am the master of my fate: 

I am the captain of my soul.