the "3rd" Lifestage

I put quoatations for "3rd" because I actually dont know how people record the lifestages. Do we start from when we were toddlers and starting elementary school? Or when we're teenagers and in high school? Anyhow, let me tell you how I derrived my "3rd" lifestage:
Stage 1: Undergrad degree
Stage 2: Graduate degree (pending)
Stage 3: Engaged/married

Yes, in case you didnt get that...I am officially engaged! As of Thursday, April 13th 2006, I have been bethrothed to Mr. Vincent Tam. And the reason for this post if not to gloat in your face (although that does seem sorta fun;)), but to reflect upon the new lifestage I am about to enter.

For most of my friends, we're all graduating/graduated/last year of undergrad and all of us are moving on to new things. Some are going into dentistry, some are going into teacher's college, others are pursuing another degree, and others are, of course, looking for full time jobs. And it got me thinking...about moving from one life stage to another. The grade 12's in my youth group are currently going through the whole university applications and acceptance process, and it's just so nostaglic to recall how 5 years ago, my friends and I were in the same boat. I was talking to an old friend of mine, someone whom I've actually know since I was about 7 years old, about our elementary school days, and our high school days, and our undergraduate years. It's amazing to think that some of my friends are also engaged, or even married. And all of us are, once again, entering a new stage in life.

It has been 1 year since I've graduated from McMaster, 4 years since I've graduated from high school, 9 years since I've graduated from elementary school. What have I done with my time?

I want to look back in my years and know that I've made a difference in people's lives. I want to know that my service to the Lord was never in vain, and all those times when I felt like I wasnt doing the right thing, I want to know that God was smiling through all of it. When the prophet Samuel was old and about to "retire" from his role in the synagogue, he asked the people to testify to his faithfulness to God. He said,

"Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his annoited. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these, I will make it right." (1 Samuel 12:3)

And the people didnt condemn him for anything.

I dont think for a moment that Samuel never made a mistake in his ministry, or he never offended anyone in the synagogue. (Lord knows that Saul didnt really like him after Samuel told him he was rejected by God.) But it was the fact that he had served the Lord so faithfully, that the people overlooked any mistakes he made and out of grace, forgave him.

I want to be like a Samuel. Not perfect in life, but perfect in the Lord's sight and blameless under His grace. At the end of my days, I want people to be able to testify that I gave my whole life over to Christ, and I tried my hardest to be a faithful servant. And I want to know in my heart that I never held back for the Lord, and I always gave Him my best.

Oh, and if through this blogspot post, you've just found out that I'm engaged.....SURPRISE!

Praying that you and I would be covered in the dust of our rabbi, Jesus...