Lesson on Humanities

Countdown is at 25 days before i enter my next phase of life, and a new life altogether. Aint dreading army, but my main concern is that during this remaining time which just flies by at few actual days per seeming day, i must do all the things i hope to do; that i cant do once im in.

Now that work is out of the way, the whole time is free for me to do all the personal activities i want. The big obstacle is however, feeling lazy or forgetting to do them. How weak is the flesh, that it wont even do what my heart wants.

Anyways, I believe God is slowly revealing things and teaching me big lessons through my grandfather. He has moved in to stay with my family for about a month now, since it was decided he cant be staying alone in his little flat after my grandma passed away.

I was against the decision, but reluctantly cooperated. anyways there would also be a maid to take care of him. That meant that we would have to clear space in our already cramped house to make space for another 2 people. And lots of stuff went into my room.

Thats not the main problem. The issue is that I never liked him. In my perception, there is nothing good about him at all. He is grumpy, stubborn, antisocial, uneducated (not discriminating, but just makes him hard to connect with) unappreciative, negative, keeps complaining, sometimes demanding, and self-centred.

He doesnt seem to care about anyone. All he does is eat, sleep and go to the toilet. And once a day for a few minutes he would look at pictures in newspapers. He is hard of hearing, causing lots of problems like him shouting all the time cause he cant hear. Also slightly senile, losing sense of time and reasoning. sometimes hes just plain dumb. Plus many bad habits, which really causes everyone lots of headache.

I find it so hard to tolerate him, let alone love him. But i wonder, why am i fine taking care of other old folks with disabilities, but not him? probably cause he is staying in my house, taking up my comfort, affecting my life, and dirtying my house. Then i realise, actually im the one being selfish! I ought to have a little compassion on a helpless poor old man whom his 2 other children rejected taking him in, and who would live a miserable, suffering and deprived life if he continued staying alone. after all, he is also my grandfather, whether i like it or not.

Since i realised that, i have been very much tolerant and accommodating towards him, and dont let all his bad points affect me so much. Then, recently God brought a little light to him. for the first time, i saw him smile and heard him say ‘thank you’. he went for an operation and can now hear better. he also showed improvements in his bad habits.

Praise be to God, the best teacher of all, and Lord over all our circumstances!