Learnings

Have I stopped counting?

This perhaps, is the question subconsiously lurking in my mind all day, on my birthday.  It’s 10:29 p.m., and it’s only now that I realize that aside from this day being “special” and on top of all the eating, I’ve just turned one year older.  On Friendster, where I don’t declare my true age — not because I’m age-conscious, but I enjoy making people guess — I’ve turned 86 today.  The number, real or fictional, has yet to sink in.

I realize, however, that the saying is true: with age comes wisdom.  So on top of another year lived well with great friends and family, for which I am eternally grateful for, I treasure the wisdom I’ve gained in the past year.  So much has happened in the past year, and I feel that everything is starting to fall into its proper place.  And I feel that many things are clearer now.  I’ve learned so much!

Happiness found.  There were certain things I pursued in the past because they were right and noble — and pursuing these brought happiness and fulfillment.  However, despite all the best personal detachment from all that is mundane and shallow as far as certain goals were concerned, there are instances when the things we pursue deteriorate themselves and change.  Consequently, you lose your motivation and your drive.  And the only reason you’re still pursuing it is out of familiarity and comfort.  But you’re not happy, and you’ve lost track of what is truly important.  So why continue?  Why lose track of where peace really is?  Why pursue another road other than the path that will lead you to peace?  Why stay in the path that will bring you to doom?

The wicked win nothing.  I’ve heard of great fights and evil deeds done in the recent past in the professional and personal sphere, and it’s unfortunate that at some places, the “wicked” are perceived to have an upperhand because of the power they are able to abuse.  All right, they may win victories in battle.  They may manage to get away with indiscretions.  They may actually win even (though I have every reason to doubt it).  But as they win their battles and celebrate, I would just like to ask: What exactly is it that you guys win from all of these?  What is it that you achieve at the end of the day?  Is it worth it? 

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1).  Enough said.

Love is all around, no need to waste it.  Nothing, nothing is impossible with faith in God.  Family and real friends keep us up, provide real strength, and keep our feet constantly on the ground. 

Everything happens for a reason.  We hear this all the time, but it’s true if we open our eyes and hearts more.  God’s “worst” plans are much better that the best plans we make.  Kaya kung ako lang, hindi na ako nagrereklamo.  There’s even a beautiful forwarded text message I received recently, which says a lot:

Don’t worry about the future.  I am there.  
(From) God.

There are other many lessons, which would be too long to discuss.  So to cut things short, let me say again how grateful I am for this past year.   Thank you, family and friends for being part of my journey.  Thank you for making it more enjoyable and meaningful.  And I hope to continue this beautiful journey with you.