memorial

'They died so that we might live'

Such was the text upon the Cenotaph in the memorial park. Majority of people in our times do not recognise the sacrifice and hardships borne by Singaporeans 2 generations ago during the Japanese Occupation, and thus do not feel indebted to our ancestors. Are we losing our sense of belonging to this country? Perhaps, for even National Service is treated as a waste of time by many. Neither do we sing our National Anthem nor take the pledge 'with pride and gusto' as is required of us. Will this lack of patriotism adversely affect Singapore? I cannot tell, but I do know that nationalism is an excellent source of motivation - something we all need in the confusing world each of us experience.

Yet, to that text, I say, 'He died, so that we might live forever'. It shall be Christmas again in 5 weeks. It is a good time to recall and appreciate why exactly God took the form of a mortal and died. Far too often we are unaware when we commit wrongdoing, and sometimes we just decide to do what we feel like despite our conscience. It was for those crimes against the people around us, against ourselves, and against the Lord God, that Jesus came to pay for, with his life. So now all who call upon the name of Jesus Christ may be free from the guilt of sin, and so desire to do good. After life on earth, we enjoy eternal life, spending it in the presence of the God who loved us, and saved us.


This post marks the end of 15 years of school education. I really don't know what to say. There are just too many memories within me, happy and depressing. Friends made, friends lost to time; games played, and concepts learnt. Old and new school buildings, good and bad canteen foods. Teachers - some fun, some who slack along with a class, some nasty, some boring time-wasters. All kinds of disputes to all kinds of challenges.

I prefer to leave it vague up there. I don't wanna end up regretting (or starting to tear) by bring up some past incidents, or missing others. I want to look to the future now, and I still see a mixed hope. What do I conceive of it? I do not know - I cannot trust my plans, they always change. I shall have to trust God to direct my steps, then, for only He knows the future.


Here I'd like to pause a little bit to thank those who have particularly supported me through prayer or otherwise. To Hannah, Jessie, Rachel, Tabitha: Thank you! (forgive me if I have left out anyone, I thank you too!)


After the last paper this morning (which I lost est. 6 marks just like prelims), some of the class left to celebrate. We traveled to Bugis where we ate brunch. Then some wanted to watch a movie. Despite my arguments and appeals to the conscience of others, eventually everyone else went to watch the latest 007 show. I suppose the lure of 'doing whatever ya want since exams are over' is very strong. Later I read through a really funny book on the brief history of Singapore, it was filled with comic parody.

Anyway, I left to walk south, becoming a tourist. I visited the Singapore Flyer first, it had really spacious grounds about it (considering it is so near the city). From the second storey I could see the Marina Barrage far away (I wanna go there some day). Afterward I walked northwest, past the floating platform (which has been converted to a soccer field), and past the Esplanade. All I saw across the Singapore river were cranes and construction sites. Then I entered into memorial park, and saw the various monuments. I didn't have time to visit the War Memorial (the huge 4 pillars thingum) or the Merlion, and returned via MRT to join the my classmates after their movie, where we left for home soon afterwards. At least now I'm much more familiar with the eastern periphery of the Singapore City.


The song below is 'Jubilee'.

The sun came up on Monday morn,
the world was all in flame.
It's all a mortal man can do,
to make it right again.

Swing and turn.. Jubilee
Live and learn.. Jubilee

The moon came up I stood my ground,
and swore to not give in.
To never rest and do my best,
to rid this world of sin.

Swing and turn, Jubilee
Live and learn, Jubilee

The one who spoke cried tears of hope,
that we might change in time.
And when I looked into her eyes,
the fear I saw was mine.

Swing and turn.. Jubilee
Live and learn.. Jubilee

The time had come to travel on,
I made my way alone.
My soul will mend at journey's end,
this road will take me home.

Swing and turn.. Jubilee
Live and learn.. Jubilee