BE GRATEFUL

I recently went on a trip to Japan, and I can tell you that it was great. I had a lot of fun there and the scenery was good, but as I was pressed against the bodies of other people on the bus in Kyoto, I could only think of going back home. I think it is very common for humans to complain; it is in our very nature, and it makes sense. After all, who doesn’t want their own quality of life to improve? However, especially in Singapore where we are very blessed, it is easy for us to take things for granted and just complain away– a phenomenon that I have noticed for years and one that I am guilty of at times. My trip to Japan was really a good reminder for me to be more grateful, and there are a few reasons why.

I’ll start with the example I used as my hook– the public transport system. If you follow news outlets on social media, you will know how much the comments love bashing Singapore’s public transport system, especially when it comes to MRT breakdowns. I remember a long time ago there was an article on how the train conductor in Japan bowed and apologised after being about two minutes late. Many people used to praise Japan’s train system as being the golden standard too. Well, I was sorely disappointed when I arrived in Japan and found their public transport system to be vastly inferior to ours: jam packed buses, higher prices, and the whole bowing and apologising about being late did not even exist. In fact, in Tokyo, there’s a delay on the trains every single day, something so normalised that there isn’t even a point in announcing  the delay. The point is this: I learned to be even more grateful for our government. 

Another example is when I went to the church in Tokyo. It was an interesting experience. They were very hospitable, providing free lunch for the members and visitors, trying their best to make some conversation with us despite not having a great command of English, and me not having a good command of Japanese. Their worship service was also in line with the Bible. However, as I sat among the English-speaking congregation for the sermon, I couldn’t help but notice how few people there were. Even as we moved to the Japanese-speaking congregation for combined singing and for the partaking of the Lord’s supper and the giving, I really missed the harmony that I hear every single Sunday in Jurong. When the people praised me for finally adding some harmony by singing bass and tenor, I just found it sad that such things were not common in other churches around the world, but at the same time extremely grateful for the church we have in Singapore, where all our churches of Christ have people who know how to sing in harmony. Sure, singing in parts is not a command given by the Bible, but it adds to the meaning behind each hymn, and it is something I’m truly grateful for. Also, if anyone plans on going to Tokyo please visit the church there because I think it will greatly help if they knew more people from the Church of Christ.

On the flip side, I will say that Japan has amazing scenery, beautiful sakura trees, mountains and cool air, completely unlike the hot and humid weather we have 24/7. 

So, what is my point? Well, since every country has its upsides and downsides, and life is filled with constant ups and downs as well, we should be grateful for whatever we have. Everything that exists were created by God, and His works are marvelous indeed. So many verses in the Bible praise His creation! But, does this mean that only sakura trees and mountains are beautiful? No, manmade things are also from God. In fact, so many things are inspired by nature. 

The Bible also warns against greed. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 says that being content with our lives is great gain, because greed for money is the root of all evil. This doesn’t just apply to money. Avoiding covetousness was under the Ten Commandments given to Moses, which are echoed in Hebrews 13:5-6, where we are to live without covetousness, for God will neither leave nor forsake us. Even in suffering, we can be grateful. James 1:2-3 says we are to count it joy when we undergo trials because it is beneficial to us. 

Maybe the next time you go to God in prayer, instead of just laying down your petitions, why not spend a few moments to think of what God has blessed you with? Even just being able to live during the day is a pretty important thing to be grateful for. 

After all, it’s better than being in a bus in Kyoto.