明けましておめでとう！
A new year, and Ohba-san, our lolo in Japan, once again throws a party for us NSP-ers in his beloved home. It has been the second time I have been in their home, and boy I just cannot believe how generous they are when it comes to welcoming guests. Ohba-san too, with his time, when he would go out of his way to accompany us to places we would love to visit and experience in Japan. Where is this coming from? From a heart of kindness, that simply wants to give?
How then should I, as the recipient of such kindness, act in return? I feel like simply partaking in what has been given me is not enough; and yet, I also do not know how to return the favor. How exactly does one show gratitude? Or at least, how do I let this simmer into my heart such that I would well-up with gratefulness in my heart?
I feel like there are a lot of things that I simply let pass. Things that I should be simmering more into my mind, heart, and soul–so much so that it would go down to the core of my being and really–fill my heart with gratefulness. How does one have a grateful heart? Reflecting on it like this might be one way. Remembering, and being thankful each time. From the mind, and then to the heart. While I do not know when, or how, as I continue to think about this time and be thankful each time, for sure I will be stirred to action to do something in return for these people.
Lord, may you remind me to be thankful for moments like this. For people like these whom you have to blessed me with here. May I learn to be thankful and not take these moments, these people for granted. Help me to treasure them more. Help me to show love more. I hate myself for not being able to express more, but it shouldn’t stop at that. Instead of resenting myself for what I cannot do, I pray that you will open my heart more and more to experiences like this. To embrace them fully, be thankful down to the core. Let me care for them in return.
