Arrivals

Two days ago, our very close family friends welcomed the arrival of their first daughter / grand-daughter / niece in Melbourne. The long wait was over and the parents' hard work well rewarded. She looks like the perfect bundle. We got to see photos of each family member taking their turn to carry the baby girl.  The photos perfectly captured the joy and excitement that can only come with a newborn. It is a mystery of life perfectly captured in time. The baby girl is like a new niece to us and a little cousin sister to our kids. My youngest daughter is promoted from her Mei Mei (little sister) status to Cheh Cheh (big sister) although she was still somewhat confused about who gave birth. From the moment this baby was in her mother's womb she was well loved, yet the love multiplied many times over as we all see her in person. For us in Singapore, we hope to meet her in person in December.

In Singapore, there was another arrival that was much anticipated this week. Joseph Schooling flew back to sunny Singapore on Monday to share his amazing win at the Rio Olympics. He was greeted with a water canon salute when the flight landed in Changi Airport. A large crowd of  hysterical fans greeted him at the arrival gate and the arrival hall, and it was livestreamed on Facebook. The most endearing moment was probably when he and his father met and embraced. A long awaited moment in both their lives - lots of hoping, hard work and sacrifices finally bore fruits. Yet this victory is only the beginning of an amazing journey in their lives. The rest of Singapore has been hoping to catch a glimpse of Joseph as he make his rounds. This is in every way a hero's welcome home.

These moments, when people finally meet those whom they have been longing to meet, are like flash forwards to the great reception in heaven. Each soul comes with a story of anguish, sweat, pain, loneliness and sacrifice without knowing if victory is certain. Some have been swimming in hopelessness whilst others have tripped and fallen many times on their arduous race. Yet something in-built have called them to carry on to fight the good fight. With only a step to the finishing line, some have lost their limbs and sight, their dignity, their courage. They only muster one final breath to cross the line. And in that very moment the full glory of heaven is revealed to them.

They fall into the embrace of their Father who has been yearning for their arrival. He sees their brokenness and gives them new bodies. The great cloud of witnesses celebrate in jubilation as another soul has overcome. Those who shared earthly lives together runs forward to rejoice at the long awaited reconciliation. They all share in a welcome feast at the Lord's table. He anoints them with oil and gives them the crown of life. 

The glorious arrival in the house of the Lord.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:6