Life

You are a Gift – What I Learnt from the Alpha Weekend

Let’s talk about Gift and Alpha Weekend. What kind of people that you consider are gifted?

Sure, in general, people who are gifted are the ones with very high IQ, capable of talking in multiple languages, great singers, great leaders, great dancers, etc, etc. In short, they’re super talented and successful.

Until I learned another meaning of Gift during my Alpha weekend in Melaka.

Alpha is a short, interactive session where people can explore the basics of the Christian faith. It’s not only open to Christians but to everyone. You can be a non-Christian or even a free-thinker to join the session. Ask anything you want and express your opinion freely – there’s no judgment!

You are a gift, lesson from Alpha Weekend in Melaka while eating Jonker 88 cendol
Jonker 88 cendol 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Heng Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls Melaka Alpha Weekend
Fresh chicken and delicious sauce at Heng Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls
Jalan Melaka Raya 1, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka
Bunga Raya Popiah Alpha Weekend food hunting in Melaka
The famous crackling Bunga Raya popiah 78, Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka (sorry, couldn’t help myself taking this shot)
you are a gift, lesson from Alpha Weekend in Melaka

During the Alpha weekend, there was a session when we discussed the meaning of the gift. A few seconds of silence, as none of my group members had any idea what to talk about. So, I just blurted out how I felt.

I shared that I didn’t know what I should do in this world. Sure, I had my job and the days passed, but I wondered what’s gift was since I wasn’t gifted with extraordinary talents. I wasn’t super successful or holding a high post in my company.

“God could use us in many ways,” she continued. “It could be you’re a great listener thus your friends found comfort in you.”

All I had was my passions for traveling, dancing and blogging. I thanked some readers who sent me emails or said to me directly when we bumped into each other – for telling me that they liked my blog and it inspired them. They encouraged me to continue blogging.

But then, it’s not like I was (and am) a successful blogger or person (hopefully, one day). So, what did a gift mean in today’s world?

a female traveller walking barefooted in The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka
Walking barefooted in The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka

I still remember clearly what one of my group members told me. She said that everyone could be a gift to this world. We didn’t have to be super successful in our careers, it could be in daily activities that we do that impact our family and friends.

“God could use us in many ways,” she continued. “It could be you’re a great listener thus your friends found comfort in you.”

Wow… I never think that being good at listening is a gift.

Then, Mother Teresa appeared on my mind. Her compassion, followed by action, turned her into a legend. Who would ever think that compassion is a gift? But it is! She became a gift to this world!

Mother Teresa is a gift to this world, Alpha Weekend Melaka
Photo: The Stream

Also read: “Something Strange Happened When I was in Vatican City”
Also read: “Cuti-cuti Malaysia: Kuala Selangor and Sekinchan”

Dear friends, I didn’t mean to make you feel too comfortable where you are now by writing this post. If you have a goal, dream, or mission in life that you want to achieve, by all means, go for it!

God (or the Universe, if you choose so) wants you to dream big and be successful. However, it doesn’t mean that you’ll end up like other successful people.

Do your best and never give up. You can be a gift to this world, your family, or friends in unique ways. If you’re still unsure, try to join Alpha and their Alpha weekend!

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