I was sitting on the bus reading the newspaper this morning and was just suddenly struck with a deep gratitude to God for putting me where I am in Hong Kong as a teacher. It's only by God's grace that I can serve Him and do His work in this ministry, and I realize how selfish I am when I attribute successes and praises to myself in this work field. Romans 12:6 - We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
I was reading about the three form 2 students in Tin Shui Wai who were found overdosed and unconscious in a park near their school, and I remembered how passionately I want to teach in their schools, and that according to where I feel God has placed me now, I am only on a stepping stone at this school (to become equipped as a good teacher) before I go into the band 3 schools and serve there.
God is so good to remind me of this so that I can humble myself for the successes he's given me which are necessary for getting to that step; things which I could selfishly praise myself for, according to this world.
So I praise God for puzzling many pieces together for me, humbling me and for graciously revealing more and more of His plan to me and for showing me how He is in it (and that it's all for Him). Praise for passing my language exam (with a merit which allows me to have higher positions that can affect more change! God! God! God! Good!). Praise for getting a permanent position at this school (it gives me more credibility in the system). Praise for getting a Master's degree next year so I can learn how to teach these kids even better (and also get more credibility in the profession). He's got a plan for me. I need to follow.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5)