Over the past few weeks at English Ministry, Pastor Gordon (PG) has been preaching on a series titled Holiness. It is mainly focussed on how to maintain a healthy and holy relationship with one another, in particular couples, and how to please God. The past few weeks have really spoken to me and challenged me personally. Talks of important issues to address in a relationship. How before choosing a (potential) partner we should consider compatibilties of religion, family, money, hopes and dreams etc. That made me think of Elaam and myself as we are unsure where our future will take us as she is planning to study another degree once this one is over, and I am hoping to settle down and consider saving for property and family etc. So these sermon topics have helped us reflect and stirred up conversations between us.

This Sunday just past (11th Oct), Gordon spoke about how as a couple we should look to touch each other's souls, each other's hearts and each other's minds before touching each other's body (and touching of body is after marriage). This is very true and was very encouraging. Secondly he talked about the importance of 'sabbathing' with each other. Basically, spending quality time with each other and doing stuff together that will nurture our souls, our hearts and minds. The root of the term Sabbath derived from the Bible when God told us to keep the Sabbath (day of rest) holy and by that we would not do any work and just relax, as God did after he made the world in six days.

This made me think of my current lifestyle on a Sunday. On the occasional Sunday, more often in recent weeks, I have been going to the gym in the morning before going to EM. When I leave the gym and get to my car, I notice my mobile has missed calls and / or text messages. More often than not, these calls and messages are church related (e.g. Aaron asking for help with ushering last minute or someone telling me about worship/ PA) and I was not there for them. This Sunday I got to my car and there were eight notifications: a mixture of texts, missed calls and voicemails. Guy wanted to tell me he'd be late for Bible Study and asked me to pass on the message. Michael Chan's mum called to speak to me and left me her house number. Khammy texted to say he won't be able to make dodgeball. I was not there for people in time and I felt I let them down. I know as a leader in EM, as I take on more responsibilities etc, I will become busier and I should make myself more readily available to be contacted, especially for church related matters. If I do that, I would not be just available for people, but it is making myself available for God.

So I have decided that Sundays should be a day of good rest. As PG said, I should have enough time in six days to do whatever I need to do, and chill out on the seventh day. Spend time with God. So I will start to devote my Sunday morning and afternoon to God. And if I really feel the need to go to the gym I'll go after church, so I will prioritise church above anything else.