My 26th birthday, oh it feels as if my 25th was a long time ago, yet it feels as if time flies by so quickly, and now I'm closer to being in my third decade than I was during my second decade, when I was in the midst of MINDEF serving my NS (wow it's been so long).

As expected, I do have lesser birthday wishes this year, as circles of friends slowly drift apart despite me trying to keep them close. Perhaps Facebook is on its decline, or maybe everyone else is busy with doing their things that they simply have no time to check it. I am glad though, that the friends that I do keep close, put in effort to craft nice birthday messages and wishes for me, and frankly I do love it this way much better. A personal message beats a Facebook wall post any day, and maybe more people whom I value have started to do this. I am thankful, and I am blessed.

With a new year comes new resolutions to stand taller, stronger, and closer to God. To be kinder, gentler, more loving to my family and friends, just as how my dad and my mum came back to hug me. It's been years since we last hugged, but the lingering feeling is one of warmth and tenderness. I won't forget this hug for a long time to come, and hopefully never. And reflecting upon the day, the heart is where life matters. Love is what makes life meaningful, and it brings me back to what Jesus said so simply: Love God, love your family and friends as yourself. Truly God's words and ways never fail. Follow them, and they provide the sweetest and most lasting joy. || posted by Kuan Hui