It is finally over! The course that I began 9 months ago wrapped up for me at 5pm last Friday when we were told to "put our pens down and stop writing".
So, now to bow out of London and head home to Singapore. This means packing, arranging with the shipping company to take my things away and enjoying the rest of my time here before I fly out at or around 12.15pm on Friday, 4th July.
I have a couple of lunch appointments on Tuesday and Thursday this coming week, attending my final cell group on Wednesday evening and the final Sanctuary meeting on Thursday evening. I also have some shopping to do for my family and friends.
On Friday, I will be checking out of my hall at around 7am so that I can attend a Summer Term Prayer Breakfast organised by the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship at Middle Temple at 8am. Once that finishes at 9am, I will then make my way to Heathrow by Tube. I aim to get to Heathrow by 10am or so in order that I can check in and get ready to fly out.
It's a long journey back - about 12.5 hours in the air and when I land, I not only have to forward my body clock by 7 hours, but also brace myself for the tropical Singapore weather (especially since I will be arriving in the morning!).
I definitely have fond memories of this place and I will surely miss all my friends here. I have no idea what the plan is right now - but I do pray that I can return in the near future to advance my career and qualify as an English solicitor.
However, I also return to begin the next phase of my life - which is currently (subject to change) a mixture of personal and professional agendas. So, I have mixed feelings of leaving a place I called home for the last 9 months. The image of heading home excites me because I will be back with my friends and family. But, the image of leaving this country saddens me.
This episode will be the penultimate episode of Season 3. The final episode (Episode 24) will be a reflective episode of my entire time here in London before I board the plane for Singapore. Thereafter, Season 4, location: Singapore
FACEBOOK PROFILE... :)
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Thursday, 12 June 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 22 (PART II): THE PEACE
As I named this episode "The Peace", I am reminded of an old worship song that I used to sing in Sunday School many many years ago:
He is my peace, who has broken down every wall
He is my peace, He is my peace!
He is my peace, who has broken down every wall
He is my peace, He is my peace!
He is my peace, He is my peace!
Why do I say that? Well, as I prepared for The Move in Part I (see below), I received an email from the large City firm I applied to for a training contract. I was informed that I was not shortlisted for an interview, resulting in the end of the road.
I have been hoping and praying very hard about this application. So, when I got this, one could imagine how devastated I was. I was even reduced to tears for a while.
As I sobbed in my room, I really wished I had a physical shoulder to cry on and a companion with me to comfort me. Apart from the LORD, the only persons I could go back to were my parents. I managed to talk to them over SKYPE and I was very surprised and comforted that my mum was clearly not disappointed with the outcome. She said that as she read my email, it was impressed upon her that the way is very clear (ie to return to the firm I had the God-given opportunity to undergo 3 weeks of work experience back in April).
I took great comfort in that, but I was not entirely convinced that was the way and was advised me to see whether there is a message from the LORD at church on Sunday. More of that later.
But, it is what happened in the course of this week that is of more importance. One of the steps I took, after consulting my parents was to inform one of my lecturers about it who knew about my application and see what would happen.
I approached my lecturer on Tuesday and to my surprise, he did something which I did not think would happen - to call the firm's HR Department on my behalf! From there, he was able to get the firm to send me written feedback on why I was not shortlisted!!
The feedback illustrated not only what went wrong with my application, but also the standard that I had to rise up to in order to get into their firm (or perhaps, any City firm). The negative comments made my heart very heavy and I carried that heavy heart throughout that day. In fact, I also realised that I would not be able to meet that standard because to do so will be going against my own character!
Wednesday morning was perhaps the positive climax of all that had happened. I thought I did not receive a word from the LORD on Sunday that was specific to my situation. But, on my father's advice (who later told me that he believed there was a word for me there), I revisited the notes I took from the sermon on "Food sacrificed to idols" (1 Corinthians 8:1-13). The focus of that sermon was 1 Corinthians 8:1b which read: "Knowledge puffs up, but loves builds up".
I then recalled that as I listened to the sermon, I thought about my profession as a lawyer. We lawyers have special knowledge that the lay man would not have (ie the knowledge of the law). Now, we would like to think that we will be one level higher than the lay man - which often leads to being proud about it. But, as a Christian lawyer, what is our Code of Conduct? We perform our legal duties as a form of service to the community, which is driven by love. My Quiet Time in the Daily Bread that day was my life verse Micah 6:8. Philip Yancey was the writer of the QT and he used this verse to remind us of our obedience to God and our "assigned tasks". To me, I believe my assigned tasks are to complete the LPC exams and to be a lawyer. This is my obedience to the LORD. Once again, the words in Micah 6:8 of "walk humbly with your God" struck me.
Now, what does all this have to do with the City firm? Well, I have been reminded time and time again that my Achilles' heel is this tendency to be arrogant. I believe that will be harder to control if I was working in a prestigious firm and receiving a big pay packet in the City. Instead, I believe the LORD has shown me - through this experience - that I am more suited for a non-flashy environment where I can contribute more, learn more and most importantly, develop the character of being humble. The humility part is also linked to my name and confirms my late grandfather's wisdom when he picked my Chinese name.
I have now gone on to call the firm I worked with for 3 weeks in April to ask whether there is any opening for a paralegal. This is my part of the deal and I submit this to the LORD to do His part as I now return to my preparations for exams in peace. I will head off to Sanctuary at Methodist Central Hall with that spirit of thanksgiving because of Jesus, who is my Peace!
Thanks be to God! Amen!
Saturday, 7 June 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 22 (PART I): THE MOVE
I write this blog entry from my new room across the street from where I was since September 2007.
Yes, my tenancy agreement at Room C02-8 ends tomorrow and I will be in Room B07-6 until 4th July 2008. Well, first up, my new room is not as big as the previous one. See pictures below.
Taken from the door. You can see that I am not exactly very tidy.. :p
Taken from the bed.
The cardboard box contains books and the files on the top shelf are my notes.
As you will probably see, I do have a lot of things to move over (not to mention I bought and brought lots of books on various genres. This is something I accumulated over 9 months but I don't regret it). I am hence grateful to God for providing the opportunity to move out ahead of schedule and it was a smooth one.
I was to move out tomorrow at midday, but a note was shoved through my door at about midday today informing me that my new room is ready and I could start moving my belongings. I spent almost the entire morning packing and the entire afternoon moving them over. There are no lifts, just staircases and it was an entire OMO (one man operation). I thank God it went smoothly and I look forward to having a good rest tonight and ready to shift gear to "revision mode" as I enter the 1-week revision before the exams begin the following week.
This episode is just the first part of what happened to me this week. There will be a Part II. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 21: ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!
As I look forward to this day, one month later (ie Friday, 4th July 2008), I see myself boarding a plane from Heathrow which heads for Singapore. Yes, 4th July is the day I plan to return home to reunite with family and friends. It has been a quick 9 months since I arrived on 10th September 2007 save for the 2-week Christmas break. Time sure flies.
But, it is my prayer (and for those who know the situation I am in) that when I board the plane, I will board it, fully briefed on what my next "mission" is to be. It is akin to James Bond when M tells him of his next mission. Although, I don't think M will tell James of the dangers that come with the mission. He will be guided by his contacts in the mission field, along with the resources he obtains from Q.
Who and what is the "M" and "Q" in my life? The LORD is like "M" to me and the Bible, the written Word is my "Q". The LORD only knows the full details of the mission and He will reveal the necessary details for me to move. However, unlike James Bond who only uses his "Q Gadgets" to get him out of danger, the written Word is my everything. It is used to get me out of danger, it is used to comfort me when I am down and it is also used to teach me the ways of my "M", my LORD!
I now cast my thoughts to the present time and ask the same question of my "mission field". Well, the mission has been the same all along (ie to get through the LPC) and as I received the result of my last assessment (a Probate assessment) before the exams, I thank the LORD for the"1st attempt clearance" stamp on my LPC passport (an analogy I used in one of my previous episodes) to prepare for and sit the exams.
So, this is the final leg of - what has been - a hectic 9-month journey. I think all of us on the LPC will agree that we all need a good summer break. For me, that break is to pack up my bags and head home. But, I pray that as I pack, I might have a glimpse of what my next mission is to be.
Hear these prayers of your child, O LORD! I believe in You, but help my unbelief. Amen.
But, it is my prayer (and for those who know the situation I am in) that when I board the plane, I will board it, fully briefed on what my next "mission" is to be. It is akin to James Bond when M tells him of his next mission. Although, I don't think M will tell James of the dangers that come with the mission. He will be guided by his contacts in the mission field, along with the resources he obtains from Q.
Who and what is the "M" and "Q" in my life? The LORD is like "M" to me and the Bible, the written Word is my "Q". The LORD only knows the full details of the mission and He will reveal the necessary details for me to move. However, unlike James Bond who only uses his "Q Gadgets" to get him out of danger, the written Word is my everything. It is used to get me out of danger, it is used to comfort me when I am down and it is also used to teach me the ways of my "M", my LORD!
I now cast my thoughts to the present time and ask the same question of my "mission field". Well, the mission has been the same all along (ie to get through the LPC) and as I received the result of my last assessment (a Probate assessment) before the exams, I thank the LORD for the"1st attempt clearance" stamp on my LPC passport (an analogy I used in one of my previous episodes) to prepare for and sit the exams.
So, this is the final leg of - what has been - a hectic 9-month journey. I think all of us on the LPC will agree that we all need a good summer break. For me, that break is to pack up my bags and head home. But, I pray that as I pack, I might have a glimpse of what my next mission is to be.
Hear these prayers of your child, O LORD! I believe in You, but help my unbelief. Amen.
Friday, 30 May 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 20: EVER RECEIVED A NUDGE FROM GOD?
Yes, the title says it all... Have you ever received a nudge from God? Well, I believe I have in the course of the week.
The nudge came through one of my lecturers in school whom I wrote to sometime back in respect of an application to another City firm for a training contract. Now, how the opportunity arose to apply to this City firm is another story for a more appropriate time.
Since I wrote to my lecturer for advice on this firm, I have submitted the application for a training contract and even arranged to have a tour of the firm. I have since committed the application to the LORD and ask Him to take control of it.
On Tuesday, my lecturer - out of the blue - tapped me on the shoulder and asked me how that application was coming along while I was in school computer lab writing an email. That caught me by surprise and he arranged that I see him after class on Wednesday.
During that conversation after lunch on Wednesday, he gave some thoughtful advice and told me what - I believe - the next step should be in respect of this application.
On the way back home after the conversation, I had this sense within me saying that what he said was a nudge from the LORD saying "this is the next step". I acted upon the advice and performed that next step on Thursday. The effects of that step was rather amazing for me.
I believe that through this, the LORD is showing me that He is working at it and there is no need for me to worry. Thanks be to GOD!
To close, I echo what I believe God is saying to me at the end of my last entry [see Episode 19]: "... Don't you worry now, focus on your exams in the meantime and let me work on it."
In light of what happened this week, this is my response: "Thank you LORD for showing me that you are working on it. The nudge this week has raised my hopes and allayed my fears. You are in charge and I wait upon the next nudge from you. Amen!"
The nudge came through one of my lecturers in school whom I wrote to sometime back in respect of an application to another City firm for a training contract. Now, how the opportunity arose to apply to this City firm is another story for a more appropriate time.
Since I wrote to my lecturer for advice on this firm, I have submitted the application for a training contract and even arranged to have a tour of the firm. I have since committed the application to the LORD and ask Him to take control of it.
On Tuesday, my lecturer - out of the blue - tapped me on the shoulder and asked me how that application was coming along while I was in school computer lab writing an email. That caught me by surprise and he arranged that I see him after class on Wednesday.
During that conversation after lunch on Wednesday, he gave some thoughtful advice and told me what - I believe - the next step should be in respect of this application.
On the way back home after the conversation, I had this sense within me saying that what he said was a nudge from the LORD saying "this is the next step". I acted upon the advice and performed that next step on Thursday. The effects of that step was rather amazing for me.
I believe that through this, the LORD is showing me that He is working at it and there is no need for me to worry. Thanks be to GOD!
To close, I echo what I believe God is saying to me at the end of my last entry [see Episode 19]: "... Don't you worry now, focus on your exams in the meantime and let me work on it."
In light of what happened this week, this is my response: "Thank you LORD for showing me that you are working on it. The nudge this week has raised my hopes and allayed my fears. You are in charge and I wait upon the next nudge from you. Amen!"
Thursday, 22 May 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 19: WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR, HE OPENS ANOTHER
Yes, I received news from my folks back in Singapore that the City firm which had been hovering around a couple of previous episodes have turned me down for a training contract in a letter. I am quite surprised why they sent it to my home address, but I will also check my Hall reception to see whether a similar letter has been sent to me.
How do I feel about it? Well, I am not really surprised by it. In fact, the letter confirms what I feel about the application. When I saw nothing was coming through 2 weeks after the closing date of 30th April, I knew somehow that I was not successful.
But, I know that when such a thing happens, the LORD will also open another door of opportunity. It has been evidenced time and time again in my life and I do pray that the opening will be made known soon.
So, this entry marks the end of the road and I would like to end the entry by saying that the LORD knows what's best for me and this brings to mind Isaiah 55:8 which reads:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
YAHWEH even goes on to say in verse 9 that "as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Hence, not only are the LORD's ways different from (and in this present case, contrary) my own ways, His ways are even higher than my own ways. Further, the LORD asks rhetorically whether He has any competitor or equal (Isaiah 40:25). What more can I say? All I can do is to submit in humility to Him and let Him do His part.
In this case, I recalled that as I prepared for this application, I felt quite strongly that this was the firm for me and spent a considerable amount of time putting the application together. But, I guess the LORD has something else for me, something better.
I will just have to wait.
What do I do in the meantime? Nope, not to put my feet up and do nothing, but to focus on what is important (ie preparations for the final set of exams). But, as I say this, I also bear in mind that there are many other peripheral issues such as finding a place to stay after the course and securing some form of employment. It is humanly easy to get worked up over this, but I pray for the peace of Christ each day to reign and to be comforted to know that "in all things God works for the good of those who love, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
So, in writing this, I believe the LORD is saying somthing like this:
"No, Josiah, that is not the place I want you to be because that is not the place for you. I have something better for you. Don't you worry now, focus on your exams in the meantime and let me work on it."
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Monday, 19 May 2008
SEASON 3 EPISODE 18: Reflections
I am taking a "break" from factual reports of my adventures here in England and go into reflective mode.
There are a few areas which I want to reflect upon. The first is the profession I am entering into (ie the law). I think I have been "conditioned" to reflect from young, all thanks to the habits of keeping a journal as well as the training contract application forms I have been filling up since I came to London last September.
(1) My journey into law
I believe it is good to think about such things at times and I don't think I ever had a chance to properly reflect on my journey to being a lawyer thus far. I guess one reason is because my undergraduate days were spent juggling my National Service commitments and the part-time classes. I thank the LORD that despite the challenges I faced, I managed to secure a 2:2. All thanks and praise to God.
Now that I am "away" from everything and in a foreign land, despite the demands of the course, I am thankful that I am able to take stock of my journey. On reflection, I must say that I am guilty of "being money-minded" when I initially decided to pursue law. I imagined the amount of money I will be earning as a lawyer and that left a smile on my face.
Strangely, I even recalled when I was much younger and began reading the newspapers, I would always look out for the "In the Courts" section and read about the reported cases. But, I never had the intention of becoming a lawyer. Hm, was the seed planted then?
Well, through my work experiences at the law firms and my studies, the money mind has since taken a lower priority and the vocational aspect takes centre-stage. The exposure to legal problem-solving has also intrigued me that I do look forward to the day when I can "talk shop" with my contemporaries. The experiences at court hearings have also made me consider being an advocate and I can imagine myself speaking in court, delivering my speech and arguments.
Through my interaction with people, I am often asked the question "what area of law I want to practice" and mostly postive comments on becoming a lawyer. My answer to this question would be that I am currently interested in corporate/commercial and litigation [both private client and corporate/commercial] But, I do eventually want to be an entertainment and media lawyer.
Now, this is perhaps the motivating factor behind my journey into law - the Christian faith. I always believed that the LORD called me into law in order that I could expound His law. I have even received comments that my name "Josiah" is a good name for a Christian lawyer. [Thank you Mum and Dad for that name!]
(2) My faith as a Christian
I believed I have grown exponentially in the faith since I came to London. I don't think I would have experienced something similar if I remained back home. The worship songs I have been listening to and singing, the books I have read and the many "moments of quiet" has undoubtedly turned me closer to Christ.
Now, I believe (1) and (2) are inter-linked. In the biblical canon of 66 books, there is a consistent theme of "looking back". Moses, David (through his Psalms) and the other prophets did it in the Old Testament and Paul in his Epistles in the New Testament. We all should therefore be thankful for the availability of Scripture.
We Christians are also called to remember what the LORD has done in our lives. When we look back, we marvel at the LORD's hand at work and this gives us the hope for the future as we "look forward".
How does this link with (1)? Well, as lawyers trained in the common law, we are in the business of "looking back", whether it is when we are dealing with our clients' problems that have happened in the past or researching cases. This parallel gives me great comfort hope as I look forward to the day where the images as mentioned above will be a reality. Till then, I am still an "aspiring" lawyer.
(3) My ambitions, hopes and plans
Just as I have looked back on my mission on the road to be a Christian lawyer, I now look forward. What lies ahead? Well, what I do know is that in a few weeks time, I will be writing the exams of my electives.
So, it is time to shift to "revision mode". I sense the pressure within myself to get to that mode now because I want to end the LPC on a positive note. The other "here and now" is to make the application for a training contract at a reputable City law firm and to settle my flight ticket to return home for the summer.
What I have also learnt since I came to England was the need to adopt a detailed approach towards everything, especially my studies. It is therefore no wonder England is the place for law. I am glad to be training as an English lawyer and I pray that I will be able to adopt this mindset.
Above all this, what is definitely certain is that all my other ambitions, hopes and plans are in the hands and heart of the Father above. To which, I need not worry - but it is humanly difficult and like in all things, it takes time.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
There are a few areas which I want to reflect upon. The first is the profession I am entering into (ie the law). I think I have been "conditioned" to reflect from young, all thanks to the habits of keeping a journal as well as the training contract application forms I have been filling up since I came to London last September.
(1) My journey into law
I believe it is good to think about such things at times and I don't think I ever had a chance to properly reflect on my journey to being a lawyer thus far. I guess one reason is because my undergraduate days were spent juggling my National Service commitments and the part-time classes. I thank the LORD that despite the challenges I faced, I managed to secure a 2:2. All thanks and praise to God.
Now that I am "away" from everything and in a foreign land, despite the demands of the course, I am thankful that I am able to take stock of my journey. On reflection, I must say that I am guilty of "being money-minded" when I initially decided to pursue law. I imagined the amount of money I will be earning as a lawyer and that left a smile on my face.
Strangely, I even recalled when I was much younger and began reading the newspapers, I would always look out for the "In the Courts" section and read about the reported cases. But, I never had the intention of becoming a lawyer. Hm, was the seed planted then?
Well, through my work experiences at the law firms and my studies, the money mind has since taken a lower priority and the vocational aspect takes centre-stage. The exposure to legal problem-solving has also intrigued me that I do look forward to the day when I can "talk shop" with my contemporaries. The experiences at court hearings have also made me consider being an advocate and I can imagine myself speaking in court, delivering my speech and arguments.
Through my interaction with people, I am often asked the question "what area of law I want to practice" and mostly postive comments on becoming a lawyer. My answer to this question would be that I am currently interested in corporate/commercial and litigation [both private client and corporate/commercial] But, I do eventually want to be an entertainment and media lawyer.
Now, this is perhaps the motivating factor behind my journey into law - the Christian faith. I always believed that the LORD called me into law in order that I could expound His law. I have even received comments that my name "Josiah" is a good name for a Christian lawyer. [Thank you Mum and Dad for that name!]
(2) My faith as a Christian
I believed I have grown exponentially in the faith since I came to London. I don't think I would have experienced something similar if I remained back home. The worship songs I have been listening to and singing, the books I have read and the many "moments of quiet" has undoubtedly turned me closer to Christ.
Now, I believe (1) and (2) are inter-linked. In the biblical canon of 66 books, there is a consistent theme of "looking back". Moses, David (through his Psalms) and the other prophets did it in the Old Testament and Paul in his Epistles in the New Testament. We all should therefore be thankful for the availability of Scripture.
We Christians are also called to remember what the LORD has done in our lives. When we look back, we marvel at the LORD's hand at work and this gives us the hope for the future as we "look forward".
How does this link with (1)? Well, as lawyers trained in the common law, we are in the business of "looking back", whether it is when we are dealing with our clients' problems that have happened in the past or researching cases. This parallel gives me great comfort hope as I look forward to the day where the images as mentioned above will be a reality. Till then, I am still an "aspiring" lawyer.
(3) My ambitions, hopes and plans
Just as I have looked back on my mission on the road to be a Christian lawyer, I now look forward. What lies ahead? Well, what I do know is that in a few weeks time, I will be writing the exams of my electives.
So, it is time to shift to "revision mode". I sense the pressure within myself to get to that mode now because I want to end the LPC on a positive note. The other "here and now" is to make the application for a training contract at a reputable City law firm and to settle my flight ticket to return home for the summer.
What I have also learnt since I came to England was the need to adopt a detailed approach towards everything, especially my studies. It is therefore no wonder England is the place for law. I am glad to be training as an English lawyer and I pray that I will be able to adopt this mindset.
Above all this, what is definitely certain is that all my other ambitions, hopes and plans are in the hands and heart of the Father above. To which, I need not worry - but it is humanly difficult and like in all things, it takes time.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
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