A Respite in September

As we enter the final quarter of 2025, we begin to see through the final few events to be completed and begin the process of taking the foot off the pedal slowly. This is also the time to take stock and evaluate, rest and reflect, and remain thankful for all that we have to last us through this point in time.

1. Teachers’ Day

Naturally, for every Teachers Day, I’ll receive all sorts of gifts and heartwarming cards. I do not take all these for granted and do spend time to open each one carefully and read each card thoroughly. For students whose names I cannot remember, I will open up the photo database to identify who a particular student is.

This year I was pleasantly surprised when I received some cards from students who I did not have direct contact with. They reminded me of a particular sharing I did, an encounter with me, and a phrase I used during assembly, and how it impacted them. I made the effort to respond to some of these cards the following week.

Reflection #1: I am amazed at how students picked out my words, my actions, my stories and even my social media posts and how all these left an impression on them without me noticing much. I am once again reminded on the importance of what I say, what I do and how I behave in the presence of my students and my kids. Iron sharpens iron, life influences lives.

2. Short Sept family vacation

I will never be tired of going on vacation with family, trying and exploring new experiences. There’s simply so much joy in spending time and growing together. The busier we got with our individual lives, the more I appreciate such moments together. We are still able to find new things to do and create new memories each time we go on vacation (Malaysia Boleh!).

Reflection #2: I am thankful for such opportunities to grow together with my family. We learn with one another and we learn from one another. Somehow, each vacation is only complete if we devote time for each other. It takes a bit more planning, a bit more sacrifice, and a bit more patience (especially when vacationing with teens!) but the memories are forever.

3. J’s graduation

老二毕业了. I guess parents will never stop worrying for their kids. That’s part and parcel of parenthood.

During our 1-1 staycation last year, no.2 told me “in future when I have a family, I want to be a father like you”.

That is the biggest encouragement a father can get.

My reply to him was “you will surely become a better father than I am!”

Reflection #3: I will never stop worrying for my children. And I am not complaining. It keeps them on my mind constantly and helps me to converse with them better. But in this process, I also learn how to commit them to God. 把他们交托给神. For it is the Lord who builds. Worry helps me to trust God even more!

With exams around the corner and end of year reviews coming, we are partnering with our children to tide thru exam (and O level) season. We are tuning down bit by bit and looking forward to our year end vacation time together. Our plans thus far:

1. Playing pickleball as a family

2. Bali surfing camp with no.2

3. Couple trip to KL

4. Church camp In Malacca

5. Binge watch The Rookie

6. Plan for our family trips next year!

   
   

Do you spend time planning the vacation with your family? Do you involve your kids in the planning as they grow older? Do you truly look forward to spending your holidays with your family?

There’ll come a time when our kids will stop or cut down holidaying with us. Just like how I point out to our kids that “Do you see us going for overseas holidays with your grandmothers?” Maybe it’s due to health reasons. Maybe it’s due to changing interests. But that day will come.

And before IT comes, I’ll remain thankful that we can still have vacations together.

Thankful for a respite in September to have some reflection time and to be reminded of the little things in life to always give thanks for 🙏