Lessons from Dr May Ling

Dr May went home to be with the Lord on 4 June 2008, Wednesday. Went to her wake on Friday 6 June 2008 with my husband.

Started attending Dr May's classes since Jan 2006. Attended 4 courses conducted by her - Systematic Theology 1, 2 and 3 and Pneumatology. Attached is a class photo we took with her at the last lesson for Pneumatology...

Under Dr May, I not only learned about theology and doctrines, I learned also learned from her life and more about God through her life.

Dr May suffered cancer attacks thrice in her life. And she lost her husband Ps Derek Tan to cancer on 12 June 2006. Cannot say I have "journeyed" with her through these though times of her life, but I have been a "witness" to her struggles with God and within herself.

Saw in her a lot of "angst" - the "angst of living" I would call it. For Dr May, truly "to live is Christ, to die is gain" (this is the verse in her obituary). Have learned some gold nuggets from her, like how we can "strum our music despite the tensions in our lives" and "dance on broken glass". Also learn from her what it means not to "totalise" ourselves, "marginalise" others and "absolutise" what we do not fully know. Above all, from her life, I draw important lesson - to value and enjoy the life God has given me and live it to the full.

One day, I had the impression God looked down upon me from heaven when I went to Him with downcast spirit and countenance. He asked me this question, " I have given you a life, why aren't you enjoying it?"

I am learning more and more now to cherish this life and to be happy (or joyous) in spite of what happens, despite what I see happening, in spite of my failures and the failings of others...I think I am beginning to learn how to live...haha...