... for the year, that is.

This has been a pivotal year, to say the least. It was characterised by drastic changes in almost every sphere of my life. It brought along with it changes in relationships, daily routines, vocation, work description, and living conditions, among others.

This was 2008 for me in a glance:

• In March, I was received into full communion with the Roman Pontiff and the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. The rite was called the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.

  
  

• In April, I moved to another rented house a distance away from my previous rented house. This house is bigger and has more space for our utility.

  
  

• In June, I accepted responsibility as a member of the editorial board of Catholic Asian News (CANews) for whom I have written about eight articles to date. CANews is a monthly periodical which discusses contemporary issues confronting the Church, especially in Malaysia.

  
  

• In July, I officially assumed responsibility as Pastoral Associate at my local parish in Seremban.

  
  

• In August, I assumed responsibility as a Resident Researcher at the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocesan Ministry of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (AMEIA).

  
  

• In August, I was informed that my doctoral dissertation had been passed for the Doctor of Theology degree, marking the fruition of five years of academic research.

  
  

• In December, I made my Temporary Profession into the Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis, an 800 year-old Franciscan Order approved and recognised by the Holy See, which consists of laity and diocesan clergy.

  
  

• I made two nearby overseas trips this year (excluding Singapore). I went to the Quezon City (the Philippines) in August and to Cipanas (West Java, Indonesia) in October.
  

As it is with every year-end, I haven’t the foggiest idea what the new year intends to bring my way. But this year, there has been a very important lesson I have learned which keeps me from being anxious about the future.

It is this: that I am God’s beloved. That no matter what happens, no matter where life takes you, and no matter what complications in life confound you, God sets His eyes on you and never loses sight of your life. In all that happens, good and seemingly bad, He hasn't lost control.

And no matter what resolutions and aspirations you carry with you into the new year, there is nothing you can do to make God love you more than He already does. Beyond all your aspirations for performance and dreams you seek to attain, you are God’s beloved, and that’s all that matters.

Here’s wishing you a traditional Gaelic blessing as you step into the year 2009:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

(Note: To keep track of my 2009 schedule, refer here.)