MY FAMILY: MY UNIQUE STRENGTH

                I don’t have a regular communication with my family in Bicol. But I do keep in touch with them once in a while when I had the chance to call them. I know they are busy, most especially my Mom and Aya and I don’t want to disturb them. I just want to make sure I get the chance to talk to them when they are free.

                I called my sister Agi first. I am soooooo thankful that God heard my prayers that she wanted to go here in Manila. I know I had a great chance to share Christ with her. At least I know her plans. I was just touched by what she said about me. But am always, always laughing.Lol! I know there are no dull moments when I am talking with my two sisters. I am always laughing. I opened up about my plan of vacation trip in Boracay. Agi’s planning that too. But we both agreed Boracay is now a common place and decided to plan a vacation trip in El Nido, Palawan. I forgot that my friggin’ sister is a tourism graduate so she very well knows great places to visit! Argh! She’s joking Aya, when we planned it, it will be the time when Arysa’s going to have a review or when she’s going to have the board exam. I really can’t help but laugh.

                She reminded Aya when she already graduated to help me with my masteral degree. And Agi will shoulder my travel. Hahaha! That’s one of my greatest dream, to travel. Being the eldest sister in the family is not easy. I know that my oldest brother could feel that burden too. But I don’t have regrets that I put them as my priority aside from honoring God. Well, I am honoring God by fulfilling my responsibility with them. I was just touched to hear those words from my sister. I am not expecting them to help me out but I know someday I might need help.

 But I am just glad they had plans of returning the favor. I am not expecting much from them. I am just glad that I was able to help them. And I am glad that I was able to fulfill my duties as their BIG sister. It’s worth all the dreams that I set aside to prioritize them. It’s worth all the luxuries that I decided not to buy or accumulate because I need to consider them first. I know it will be worth it. Three lives changed because I was given the opportunity to help.

I was initially strengthened after I get a chance to talk to Mama, Aya, &Agi. The strength I am getting from them is really unique that I can’t get from anybody else except them. I got strengthened not because of the rewards that I will be getting from them but because I know someday, their lives will be fruitful and it is my privileged to be one of the contributors. 

KEEPING GOOD MEMORIES

                There are things in life that are worth keeping while some are better yet thrown in a trash bin. If bad memories and bad thoughts are like that, I could just easily do that. But our minds are not working like that. It’s not like a computer where we can easily delete those files that we no longer need.

                In spite of my failed application a while ago, I still manage to keep a hopeful and expectant attitude that I will have a new job as soon as possible. I realized am not prepared yet but I will be ready next time. I opened my two accounts in Facebook and I start saving all of my tagged photos. Unfortunately, my roommate’s internet connection got expired so I didn’t manage to save all of them.

While looking on those pictures, I can’t help but get excited. I really miss the good times I had when I was a teacher in STI-Naga College. That was the best work experience I’ve ever had. I miss the team building that I created just for my two classes to get them ready for medical mission. That was really awesome. I miss the day when we had our youth convention in Legaspi City and went to Lignon Hill. I miss the fun quiz that I turned it into such a crazy game to make it livelier and active. I had the best time in my life being a simple NSTP teacher. My experience was rewarding and irreplaceable.

I miss the times when I am still connected with Teleperformance. I had the chance to team up with the best TCL people. We had more time to bond as a team in spite of the stressful job. My male supervisor was so cool I can handle all the stressful calls I had with the worst scenario.

I miss the times when I am still studying at Bible school and learning more and more about God. Every day, I am always excited to finish my work and look forward for new learning. That was both in BCCL in Albay and CBI in Naga. I enjoyed both and I learned a lot but I appreciated the teachings more in CBI. That was really really enriching and practical. I miss the times that I going with my brothers and sisters in WIM-Naga. I am the youngest so it’s inevitable I am always the “pulutan”.

I miss the times that I am teaching bible stories with my cousins in Baao. I miss the times when I am still a part of the music team in JDC Bicol and singing worship songs for God. I miss the times that I am still involved in different outreaches and activities in JDC Bicol. I miss the fellowship held at Bicol University, BRTTH, or Albay Plaza. It was always Rizzalyn, or sometimes Joey. Most of the time it was always Rizzalyn. I had a chance to have a fellowship with other brothers and sisters in my own church.

I miss those days. But I know I need to move on and look forward for better experience and happier memories. Keeping those memories gave me happy thoughts and happy feelings. It’s better to remember those kinds of memories and let go of the pain of bad memories.

FIRST GOAL: SEEKING GOD’S KINGDOM

                I opened my facebook account just for a while to use the internet. My intention was simply print my curriculum vitae and resignation letter. I need to submit it to HR department because I was told by them they don’t have the documents yet. It was a blessing in disguise because that’s the reason why my mobile plan was approved a couple of days after I applied for it.

                When I opened it, I’m seeing lots of updates coming from my different friends in FB. Some of them just bought a latest gadget- ipod and tablet (my dream gadgets! Ooooh!), some of them are about to take their masteral or doctorate degree. Some are basically upgrading their knowledge by taking vocational courses so they can be more competent in their work. My first reaction was “wow! Buti pa sila!” But I was reminded that those things I am dreaming will fulfill by God according to His plan and timeframe. Maybe it hasn’t come yet. But I know He will, someday.

                I just smiled in front of the computer and told myself, “I will go back to basics first and that is seeking God”. I was at peace and I easily let go of those envious feelings in my heart. I didn’t bother that I still didn’t achieve my dreams yet. If that is what God wants for me, then He will be the one who will fulfill it for me. So why do I need to bother? The most important for me right now is my relationship with Him. I had a lot of concerns to think every day but I didn’t worry because He will provide what I need. I am supposed to apply for another job but then I changed my mind. I am not yet ready. Besides, I still need to process my clearance from my last employer just to make sure everything was settled before having a new job.

                So when I am tempted to wander my mind in those materials things I want to accumulate, God is reminding me about the verse in Matthew 6:33, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”.