for my niece

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6


This morning, while I was reading my Bible and jotting down some thoughts, I read this on my doodle pad "know your priorities, focus on your goals, and not waste time on things that you feel will not be of any use in achieving those." I remember writing those at the time I felt too tired to keep repeating to you those words each time I see you engrossed on a television program while your PACEs are on your study table, still undone and when you spend more time playing than studying. At that time, I just asked you to read it. So when I saw it again, I can't help but laugh and think of me as dim-witted. You often say "Childhood comes only once so I should make the most of it." You're one who does not run out of reasons and you laugh when I say you are perfect for a law career.

I am not certain if you'll be able to remember every piece of my mind I pour on yours, as you still are young and naive of your still slightly-uncharted life, and which I will leave any time I am called to.

One day, you also might totally forget your dreams and your plans as a child. I hope I can still be there when you do but that I am not sure of. So I thought, I should at least leave you with something to remind you of those and of the causal principles I “wish” you will live by. Let me record those I recall from the times you spend with me. So that anytime you feel you need to be reminded, you know where to get them (just look for the posts with "for my niece" title. I still don't know how many nieces I'll have, but each of you will know who I'm referring to when you read these posts). After 10 years maybe? :)

At 9,

You say when you grow up you want your mom to be proud of you. I am sure she will be. Just give your best to whatever field you choose. The love of moms doesn't change that whatever happens to you, she will always be around for you. But you wouldn't want to give her disappointments, right? I know that the only thing that'll disappoint her is when you don't become a person of good character. You are already showing how kind and giving you are at your young age and it makes me really proud of you. Don't let anybody drag you down to selfishness and immaturity. Be firmly rooted on God's word. Read your Bible and be guided by it.

You love to paint and one day when you've saved enough for a course fee, you will enrol in a painting crash course. You just need the basics then you can already study on your own. I am actually tempted to pay for your painting course but I feel you also should learn to save and work hard for something you'd want to have. You'll learn something by so doing...do tell me about it when that time comes.

You want to be a famous cartoonist. Why do you want to be famous? Hehe.. I just wonder. If you ask me, I just want you to do what you love most, enjoy and give your best to it. Fame and fortune will just follow.

I still have years to hopefully complete this. Priority at the moment calls...