Friendship & Loyalty

Someone dear to me asked me for my advice on a job opportunity he was (re)offered. I told him to take the job. He shared with me his concerns. I listened and together we weighed out the pros and cons. Finally, he nods. Gives me a peck on the cheek and hugs me tight -

"But how about you Popon? Are you going to be okay without me around?"

The fact that we were at some mall and I was just 10mins away from picking up my baby girl stopped me from shedding a tear at his deep fear for me.

"I'm going to be ok. I'm so very proud of you"

We said our goodbyes and I as I was walking to fetch the little one from school, I couldn't stop the tears from falling.

Don't get me wrong. I love him and only want the best for him. So I am keen for him to pursue the path he's been eyeing for, for a long, long time.
I was teary-eyed because of his genuine concern and his sense of loyalty not just for the station, but because we have always been deemed as a "tag team".
If he takes the offer, he and I would no longer be a pair anymore.
It was the underlying significance of the truth that hit me.

I'm going to be solo.
In every sense of the way now.

I wave at little Isobel who went to school without mummy or her 'bibik' to accompany her for the first time today. She smiles and waves in delight seeing a familiar face.

She smiles and then she cries. She is still smiling and waving, but her eyes are crying - as if she was trying to tell me that she was glad to see me, but sad that I had left her alone for 3 hours. I have never left her alone without myself or a family member beside her, till today.

Ironically, her smile and tears welled up in her eyes were reflecting my emotions and actions at that exact time.

She runs to my arms and I hold her tight.
Too tight - as she struggles and taps me on my shoulder trying to free herself from my firm grip

"mama"

I let go and kissed her profusely.

"How was school today girl?"

"Gutd" (Good)

"Did you miss mama?"

*Nods*

She will always be around. Loving me unconditionally.

"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances"

Philippians 4:11b

Have you ever noticed how overextending yourself tends to bring unwanted pressure into your life? I think we tend to busy ourselves in order to gain more, find acceptance among peers, land a better position, and gain riches of all kinds. Perhaps we live under the illusion that having such riches is what makes a person complete, content, and deliriously happy. Yet, when we discover that's not the case, we're left feeling empty and discontent.

Contentment and security are not found in career titles or in the kind of car we own. The logo on our car only tells others what kind of car we drive — not who we are. True satisfaction, in its purest form, is found in the wealth of who God is and the riches He graciously lavishes upon us.