Definitions

"The thing I find very weird about you is who you choose to go out with. I don't understand why, of all people, are you going out with him" - Miss X

Miss X, who shall not be named, asked me this one day. Perhaps it's not only her but a few others who question my relationship with Sherwin, who question my choice. Miss X qualified her statement by saying "He doesn't even own a car and he's not like rich or anything and doesn't earn a lot of money. You can go out with someone better".

I wonder how many people actually think that way.

I am saddened, just saddened by the thought that some people put a price to a relationship. I know to some extent, my mother feels the same way, and we just simply give the excuse of them being Asian, being protective. But I know, this pursuit for wealth and for marrying well isn't just as simple as, being Asian.

It's the lack of understanding of God, of God's love and sacrifice. It's that void, the God like void in their hearts that has yet to be filled. They crave, always crave for that something better, that someone who is wealthier, smarter and better looking. It's the lack of God in their life, that they fail to understand that we're all made equal and special in God's eyes. It's the lack of understanding that when we put these terms and conditions to a relationship, it's akin to saying that these are the things that we define ourselves by.

It's simple. How we define ourselves, is the same very way we define and qualify others and to deem whether they are worthy or not, whether they are an "investment" worthy of our time. I thank God for the day He saved me and gave me His salvation, I thank God every single day that I was given the understanding beyond this pragmatism, I am thankful everyday that I don't define myself by what I do/study, how much I earn and what I wear.

I don't define myself as a dental student and what not.. things that people put to your name. When people introduce you, "hi, this is so and so and she's a dental student..." it doesn't make me any happier, it just saddens me that that's all I have been defined as in their eyes. Being in a healthcare profession or even allied health, doesn't make us more "professional" nor is our status more prestigious. I am a child of God, I am a servant.. being a dentist doesn't make me smarter or better than someone else. I am just a child of God. Why can't people understand?

I love what I do by the Grace of God, not for money, not for fame, I love it because it has been a calling from God. It is my way of serving His kingdom, my way of bringing Him glory. What purposes He has for me, I don't know yet, BUT I know, His will, I will follow.

I love the man I'm going out with and I know the Lord has blessed my life with him. I love him for the fact that he has the courage and tenacity to pursue what he loves and not just any money making job. I love the fact that we both want excellence in what we do. I love the fact that he adores children like I do and has such a loving heart for animals. I love him because he knows me, understands me and even though he isn't the richest of men, he provides for me and loves me in his own way. I don't need a guy who buys and showers me with gifts. Don't people get it. I am not that kind of girl and it saddens me when friends ask me that, because that's the kind of person they think I am.

I know it isn't the easiest relationship to be in, nor the most convenient, simply cause of some parental objections, but I know it's cause they've yet to meet Sherwin, they've yet to understand and see the bond and love we share. I have grown to care and to love this wonderful man in my life. I do deserve better, I know that, and that's why I'm thankful that God has given me His best. I'm not going to define and qualify my relationship based on the terms of the world.. My T&Cs have been fulfilled and upheld in His name!