The Car Park Lot

                                                        

(Taken from: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Pilgrim%27s_Progress_2.JPG/200px-Pilgrim%27s_Progress_2.JPG)

Finally, the big wave has subsided. Calm and serene working environment once again knocked on my door. There shall be no more working late or sleepless nights for now; nonetheless, my biological clock is still haywire as expected. Somehow, being able to sit down in a coffee shop with soothing music playing at the background, sipping a cup of hot chocolate and writing this post, truly is a luxury for me.

How was I feeling on a Monday? To be honest? I felt crappy…. You might say that it is normal to have Monday blues, but I disagree with that. After many months of sleeping and waking up late, that pattern of life seems to be imprinted on my mind and became a habit that I struggle to break from. Time and strength from God are truly needed to readjust my biological clock as well as to give my body a rest. Well, let go to an interesting incident that I encountered rather than listening to my babbling here (But since when I don’t babble?)...

I arrived to the office early in the morning, the sky was just about to brighten up and the sun was slowly rising. Why would I want to be in the office so early when I can opt to sleep longer? Answer….. Parking… Parking is always an issue for there will always be insufficient car park lot for all the employees and students here. Even if you have the thoughts of paying for a car park lot, there isn’t such space for your car if you are late/ on time for work! Double parking is a norm and police force somehow enjoy coming over to issue summons. From time to time, you can hear the receptionist reporting through the speaker asking the employees to re-park their cars if they have parked on an illegal spot to avoid getting summon. Oh, you will not want to know the details of those countless moments whereby I was privileged to visit the police station and to pay them “tributes” due to illegal parking.

Back to the story, as I was driving around and scouting for a parking, I suddenly spotted a strategic place (aka legal, cooling and very near to my office). Instantly, I stepped on the accelerator, being afraid that others too were eyeing on that spot. ZZZZooooommmmmm I went and that wonderful spot was as though reserved for 633 and no one else could go near it… As I approached the place, to my horror, there were two travel buses parked right in front of the parking lot. My heart sank… No wonder the spot was empty; it was blocked by the buses! ARG!!!!! Amazingly, the buses actually took up at least 4 – 5 car park lots!!!!! I wonder whether they realized that they were taking up those precious spaces. Good news? Looking at the buses, it was obvious that an event was on-going and the buses were actually waiting for the participants to arrive.

I was debating within myself on whether should I wait or should I park my car a little further and walk a little longer… The debate went on and at last I decided to wait for spot. I parked my car right behind those buses and waited patiently for them to leave. It was approximately 735 am when I stopped my engine and waited silently in the car. I picked up a book and started flipping through those pages whilst keeping an eye on the buses. As I was reading, I suddenly spotted that the door of the bus was shut, spontaneously; I placed my hand on my car key, waiting to start the engine if that was the case. Arg, false alarm, the buses seem to shut the door for the air con to be kept inside the buses rather than making a move!

After 30 minutes, my heart was pounding fast as the temperature got higher due to the sun (for I was in the car without AC on). I was getting a little uneasy for I was starting to sweat as I read through the pages. The only thing that was playing within my mind was…. When are they leaving? Now? Later? When???? How vainly it was for me to continue on with my reading for my concentration was greatly affected, most of the time, my mind was on the buses! Impatient lady coupled with the heat was not a good combination at all! I was at the verge of giving up and suddenly I saw one of the buses pressed on the brake lights and putting upon its signal. Immediately, my eyes lighten up and my hand was once again upon the key, getting ready to start my engine. AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…………… Another false alarm……………………………………… But somehow, a voice within me was asking me to wait and I decided to give it another 5 more minute…

Time seem to be a killer as I fixed my eyes upon the car park lot. At last, after 5 minute, both buses put on their reverse gear and the signal to leave was on! Wonderful! Start your engine and march on to the lot!!!!!! Yes, as you have guessed it right, I managed to get the strategic car park lot after a long wait. Being satisfied with the result, I marched on to my office and being relief that I was out from the uncomfortable spot.

As I walked, a thought came instantly to my mind. As a pilgrim on this earth, Christian looked forward to be in the Heavenly home. When can he arrive there, no one knows except God. Just as I was waiting for my parking lot, I was certain that I will get the spot but how long was the wait, I know not. However, one thing I was certain, as I waited for the lot, one should be vigilant and be on her watch, waiting patiently for the bus to leave. Else that spot will be taken. Do I actually have such expectations within my hearts? An expectation that one day I will be in Heaven with our Creator? Do I trust that with Christ’s work on the cross, all my sins are forgiven and He will bring me there safely? Do I constantly put my sight upon the Heavenly Kingdom, not wanting to leave it for being afraid that I will be distracted by other things on earth and slack in my walk? Am I constantly on my watch and doing the right thing while waiting for the Lord’s second coming?

Somehow, the parable of the 10 virgins waiting for the coming of the bridegroom (Refer to Matthew 25:1-13 - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:1-13&version=ESV) and the parable of the unfaithful servant (Refer to Luke 12:41 – 48 - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A41-48&version=ESV) came to my mind. How true it is when Christ was to say “Watch, therefore, for you know neither know the day nor the hour”. But how should one watch? As written in 1 Peter 5: 6 – 11, Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. O Christian, though the wait might be long, though trials and temptations come constantly knocking upon your door but be of good cheer for you have a God that has conquered all things for you. Regardless how heavy laden you are, you can be assured that the Lord is willing and able to give you rest if you call out to Him.

Do not give up hope but persevere on, as what the apostle Paul said, “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Press on; knowing that one day you will arrive there safely for God’s promises are true and loyal.