Chin Up This Chinese New Year
This Chinese New Year state borders have opened and Malaysians can balik kampung! This year’s celebration is set to be a distinctly different one from last year’s in lockdown, and many of us will be looking forward to reunion dinners, lion dances and house visitations.
However, with SOPs still in place and some families with young children and elderly folk still cautious, how are we to enjoy the merry-making while being considerate of others?
>>READ: A more important reunion dinner awaits us – in Heaven
>>WATCH: The Christian meaning behind the Chinese character ‘blessing’, 福
- God-centered beginning. Let’s begin the New Year focused on God, keeping our eyes always on the one who “gives us every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). He also gives us “the ability to produce wealth” (Deut 8:18), and it’s this caution given to the Israelites that still rings true for us – to never forget the Lord when we’ve come to a good place.
- Gather family and friends online. This year, we can now gather physically. However, some of us may still have friends or relatives abroad who are unable to make it home. Why not take the initiative to schedule a video call with them? This could also be a good opportunity to start a meaningful conversation and share our faith. Such intentional actions to make someone feel at home could go a long way as an act of love.
- Giving thought to others. As merry-making abound, let’s consider those who may have differing opinions regarding post-Covid lifestyle habits. Some may not feel ready yet to host visitors, while some may require us to take self-tests before arriving. Whatever the “inconvenience”, let us not be quick to judge, but instead in love and grace put others’ interests before ours (Phil 2:4).
- Going somewhere local. We may not be able to travel abroad this New Year just yet, but we could still go somewhere local and enjoy a Cuti Cuti Malaysia! Perhaps now is the time to visit that attraction site or historical town you’ve read about online. You may be surprised at what you’ll discover locally, making us appreciate Malaysia even more.
From all of us at Our Daily Bread Ministries, we wish you a Happy Chinese New Year!
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26).
About the Author
Wan Phing Lim is a contributor to Our Daily Bread Ministries Malaysia. Born and raised in Penang, she studied Politics before turning to a career in writing. She loves coffee, books and films.
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