Of course, that is not the only reason I enjoy long weekends. I love the relaxed-ness in the air when almost everyone (disclaimer: if you are not one of those who falls into the "almost everyone" category, please don't take heart, ok?) celebrates long weekends together - regardless of the occasion and our respective agendas. Even though breakfast places are more crowded, the shopping malls are full and the roads are congested, my heart is strangely warmed to see friends eating together, girlfriends having their heart-to-heart chats over coffee, parents walking on the beaches with their excited children, lovers leaning blissfully on one another upon park-benches, etc... Also, I rejoice with the people who have the satisfaction of spending their holiday productively by getting extra errands done - stuff you wouldn't normally do on your average working week-day.
My long weekend was really nice.
Ben and I joined in the 3 days 2 nights Worship Team Retreat at Copthorne Orchid Hotel. This, being my 4th year of joining - I thought it was very special and memorable.
First, I liked the fact that the organizers cut down on the team-building activities (although not entirely, otherwise it wouldn't have been a "Team" retreat, right?) and gave more allowance for individuals to spend personal time with God as well as with one another.
Second, while I was quite sad that I would no longer be rooming in with my long-standing retreat kaki, Peky a.k.a Pig (ah, suddenly feeling sentimental.. *sniff*), this was also the first WAM retreat whereby I could finally be in the same room as my hubby. Ben and I spent much quality time with one another (he even joked that this was our 2nd honeymoon). Our marriage proposal anniversary (from the day he proposed to me last year - 4th of June) also happened to fall on the 2nd day of our WAM retreat; somehow, God used that day to speak and affirm us about some things pertaining our life direction. I felt very encouraged, even while remembering how faithful God has been to us throughout the tough year behind us. How we got through it still mystifies me. Indeed, we have arrived at today, not because we have been great (because we have been far from that), but because of what God has done, by His grace alone.
Third, I thought it would be a little awkward going for a retreat whereby I'd be bumping into a certain few people that I normally try to avoid *haha* and hide from in church. Not because we are enemies or anything like that. It's just that things have happened in the past which resulted in some "irreconcilable differences" between us - it is always awkward in circumstances when we meet and are reminded of such differences. I am quite a shy, timid-hearted and insecure person sometimes, really. In such circumstances, I usually feel extremely vulnerable and intimidated - like I am going to be attacked or rejected somehow (although things like that have never happened). The WAM retreat this year was one of those circumstances I would be "forced" to face these people for at least 24 hours or so - and there was nowhere for me to hide! So honestly speaking, I wasn't looking forward to the retreat that much. I was really tense when I first arrived; but I prayed that God would help me to reconcile and He did. Somehow, I had the strength (which was very supernatural) to smile at these people (and they smiled back too), say "Hi" and I even spoke a few words to one of them. Also, it helped that my hubby was so supportive and affirmative! So yeah, I felt there was some breakthrough, much unsaid reconciliation and I could actually love these people more. To God be all glory and praise.
On Monday (after the retreat), Ben and I spent almost the whole day together... eating, window-shopping, watching a movie (X-men) at Cathay Cineplex... and of course, we went for 2-year-old Samuel's birthday bash, organized by his parents - Tairven and Wee Lyn. Ben had an awesome time with the kids - ah, I am so thankful for a hubby who is a natural with them. Especially little boys. As for me, I am not fully confident that I am able to handle little boys yet (coz I grew up with no brothers)...
Oh well, that was our long weekend. Hope yours was good too.
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