Hey! Here is something for you to think about. What do you think about the concept behind Ying & Yang? I actually asked a group of Form 2's today and they gave the most straight forward answers. Well, they are only 14 so cut them some slack. I guess the most basic thing about the concept of Ying & Yang would be harmony/balance.
Now, apply that to out daily walk with Christ. Do we keep God in the balance or do we completely keep him out of the picture. Of course, there are people who are dedicated 100% to God but I am talking about the general public who have daily jobs and go to school. Today, we tend to keep work, homework, friends, computers, iThings, games, tuition, studies and other things to fill out our daily hours. So out of maybe, 2 hours left for yourself a day, how much of it goes to God? Do we keep God in our minds when we run our businesses? Do we keep God in our minds when we go to school or when they "baca doa"? They even told you to pray yourselves. The question is, do you just stand idly or do you pray for your school/workplace?
Imagine, we as Christians already face so many challenges during our time here in Malaysia. What happens when you are in another country fending for yourself? There will be new people. There will be new study materials. There will be new distractions. Thus, you will have MANY more things to fill your time. Classes, laundry, cooking, assignments... All these things will definitely put a lot of you out of commission when the day is done. Think about it. What will happen to God in your life when everything is busy fighting for your time? God won't pester you about spending time with Him. God won't force you to go to church. If you don't push yourself, who will? Balance... Never thought of it that much have you?
With that out of the way, let us talk about what we discussed about meeting your girlfriend's parents. Well, I met them tonight! However, with 5 days to digest the idea I was going out with them, I didn't feel quite as nervous as I did when I got the message the first time. To add on to tips I gave:
1. Stand up to greet. It doesn't look good when you just sit down and say "Hi!" while waving your hands in gesture. That just makes you look like a small boy.
2. If they ask you to order, make sure you order what is nice. If you are unsure, ask them if they like a certain item on the menu. Of course, bear in mind that if they are paying (which most likely they will), make sure you look at the budget and don't go ordering a feast.
3. Remember what I said about venue? Please make sure you know where you are going. But usually, the best bet would be a pair of jeans, and a nice t-shirt or shirt.
4. When asked, please do not talk with your mouth full. Be like me and stuff your cheeks like a hamster and stuff your food in your cheeks. So make sure you don't take a large spoon full of food.
5. There will be at times, awkward silences. Do not try and make convo unless you know what you are doing.
6. Last but not least, be a gentleman and say thank you for the dinner. Even if they didn't pay for you. Give your girlfriend some decency by showing that you are nice to her parents.
I must say, tonight was definitely not what I expected. Certain questions which I expected were not asked, and topics which were entirely different came to pass. So there you have it. An interesting meet of people has finally come to a close. I wish you all the best to those pursuing your girlfriend! Hah!