Ahh… memories:

As an only child, Ernie & friends were my best babysitters. They taught me everything I needed to know growing up. I could sing and count to 12, I knew all about prepositions, I knew how crayons were made and I was constantly exposed to the news. Even my parents understood the educational value of the programme and never prevented me from watching Sesame Street.

So when I saw this, I was partly surprised they were addressing this issue, but also impressed with how Sesame Street was being so relevant. Perhaps I was too young, but to me the show always seemed like a utopia of sorts. Everyone was happy, people never fought over issues like social class or racism. But then I also remembered that the show had to deal with the death of Mr Hooper and it became clear why Sesame Street had to touch on this issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. After all, the show is focused on educating children, not just academically but also on the various aspects of life. And with so many soldiers coming back from the war, it was necessary to teach the kids about the changes they’ll have to face. After all that these military families have had to go through, having this sort of televised support will show the many kids affected that they’re not alone in this, and that everything will be okay in the end.

Now if only the other kids around the world can watch this too.

For the past few months, I’ve been busying myself with the Junior Sunday School church camp and while it has admittedly stretched me thin on more than one occasion, I’m amazed to realise that I’ve never felt tired/helpless throughout the whole process. Which is far from what I can say about this other camp I’m co-planning now. But more about that later… Anyhow, this camp, we decided to go with the theme of “Trust & Obey” and it was evident right from the get-go.

Too often, things simply fell into place as soon as we prayed and trusted God to deliver. And  you wouldn’t believe how God worked. Each answered prayer came so fast and hit us so hard that we couldn’t help being in awe. So when it was time for us to think of a theme, we knew instantly that it was gonna be “Trust & Obey”. And boy, was God wonderful. Yesterday was our first day of camp and everything ran so incredibly smoothly. God held back the rain for us just so the kids could have fun in the sun; He gave us no injuries despite the day being filled with high energy games and activities; and He even helped me to churn out a simple-but-still-telling presentation just in time for us to share with the rest of the church on the same night.

Today’s weather wasn’t as favourable, yet everything was still perfect in its own imperfect way. The kids were excited enough over an urban “campfire” (just a whole bunch of tealight candles stacked in a pyramid) and they had such a great time all day despite having to play all their games indoors. Seriously? Everything God has provided for us has been nothing short of amazing.

Which leads me to the other camp that I’m co-organising for work. And I really oughtta kick myself here cos with this one (and I only just realised this tonight while watching Veggie Tales with the children), I’m totally leaning on my own strength to see this through. So this whole time, while I’ve been turning to God relentlessly for the church camp, not once did I trust God to help me with the other camp simply because I was too blind to see that this was also part of God’s greater plan. Yes, it took a reasoning tomato, an investigative pea and a tuba-playing cucumber for me to realise what I’d done.

Too often, I forget to see that God is also in the workplace, so I am quick to whine and complain. However, the matter of trust and obey applies to all situations, no matter how big or small, church or work-based. Fact is, God is in everything and always gives us His 100%, so how can I possibly be selective and shortchange Him? Besides, when I trust & obey, I never find myself wanting. So I may be busy, but never stressed; stretched thin, but never depressed. What more could I possibly ask for?

I’ll admit now that I’ve never had lunch on my own before. I’m not talking about running an errand, and stopping by a food court for a fuss-free meal. Or just hitting the nearest fast food joint to grab a quick lunch while I’m working. I’m saying that I’ve never had a nice, leisurely lunch, at a restaurant, on my own. And frankly, I never knew why any one would wanna do that.

Today, while out at lunch with my mother, we were sandwiched between two single ladies who were doing just that. Table for 1. Woman #1 was already there when we got to the restaurant. She sat there, deep in thought, seemingly pleased about having the area to herself until we rudely invaded into her personal space by taking up the seats beside her. Woman #2 came about 10 minutes later, and she was promptly led to the table next to us. Fishing out a self-help book, she straightaway buried herself in the pages after ordering her meal.

Throughout lunch, I kept wondering if these women felt awkward. Was it weird sitting there alone? Did they have to cope with quizzical looks as waiters reiterated “just 1″? Did they truly enjoy the experience? From where I was sitting, both women didn’t seem too self-conscious about it. And yet, that Woman #2 was shielded behind a book, and Woman #1 was texting in between courses kinda made me think these devices were serving as distractions, taking their minds off the fact that they were actually having a meal, alone.

I personally think it’s a brave thing to do. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a bit of a social stigma in many countries cos we don’t often see women out having meals on their own. Although, increasingly, women are now spotted shopping alone, and hitting cafes in between. I’ve done that plenty of times myself, and I must say I rather enjoy it. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as being able to raid through racks of clothes and not having to worry about holding people up. But having a quiet meal? I don’t know if I can do that. Of course if I ever will myself to it, you can bet I’ll also be armed with a book and my mobile phone. Let’s just hope I don’t bump into anyone I know. Imagine how that conversation will go.