Without the bookshelves and space in the office, I’ve been trying to make space at home and create a small study for myself these two days. As you may know, we collect many things over the years and it’s oh-so-difficult to sort out which ones to keep on keeping and which ones to let go into days gone by.

Then, I came across a whole box of photos! And that was the end of my sorting and the start of my reminiscing. There were those from my youthful undergrad days more than 30 years ago; yes, before some of you were even born! Pictures when Angela and I were courting, when Abigail was born, when we celebrated Stephanie’s 4th birthday at Gurney Hotel; pictures, one after another, with family and friends. Each one was special and sentimental, and they all bring back a flood of memories.

Memories are made of these, aren’t they? Like music, they magically transport us to a different place and time, and they bring back feelings and smiles that words just can’t manage to capture. For a fleeting moment, the room fades into the distance as the faces and feelings float forward. So much so, you can almost just reach out and touch them.

Memories. What would we be without them? We are the sum of our experiences, which become memories with the passing of the years. Unfortunately, as we age, some of us lose these memories. If you have any loved-ones like that, you will share their pain as they lose a part of themselves in their sunset years. It’s heart-breaking when they no longer remember spouse, family, friends and the times of laughter and joy with them. They retreat to become only a shadow of themselves.

“Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” – Luke 16:9

We are our memories. They make us who we are. Thus, I am persuaded that we will remember our earthly life even when we step into heaven and eternity. Our uniqueness continues and because I believe that, I want to make memories that are worthwhile to carry for all eternity. I want to carry loads of memories that will make me smile and fill my heart with joy whenever I look back at them. Not that heaven will not hold joys of its own, but our life here and now is a significant building block towards that, is it not?

It would be even better if our dear ones will be together with us in heaven so that we get to recall and share our stories together. As Jesus said, “Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” (Luke 16:9)

What about you? Is that what you would wish for as well?

Oh, I’m not throwing away these photos! I have to be ruthless when it comes to decluttering … but then, these are not clutter, haha! And a piece of advice – don’t listen to classic songs and music as you declutter because then, you will never finish!

Blessings!

This message is prepared by brother Mok Kok Hoong on 2_^nd March 2021.

As announced in the English Sunday Service, brother Mok Kok Hoong has retired from GBC’s pastoral team. We at GBC thank the Lord for his dedication and selfless contribution to the church, members, and the community we serve in.

Here’s a video we made as part of our appreciation for his incredible 10 years journey as a GBC pastor!