In London, the English spend it drinking, if not spending it on a holiday vacation or join some kissing action in Trafalgar Square or wait for the monstrous price drops in boxing day or wait for the early morning Christmas day when scantily clad women walks into some park.
In our country, we spend a lot of time shopping, gift giving, cooking, drinking and spending time with family. Singing carols, completing simbang gabi as well, Christmas parties here and there.
People all over the world are merry making. However, during my times alone, I can't help think of the others who do not have food on their tables this Christmas, who were abandoned by their families, who are bed ridden due to illnesses, who have lost their loved ones, who have lost their jobs due to financial crisis. Yes, we can't save all of them. Even if we decide to, the little that we can give won't eradicate the poverty et al but it makes a difference to them. Change do not happen overnight, but sharing love to others will always be treasured by individuals even unspoken. At the very least it will be implanted to them subconciously. I invite you this holiday season, let us remember those who are unfortunate by saying a little prayer for them. We might think we are a part of the unfortunate but definitely not. God's grace is sufficient enough for you. If you can read this blog, you are blessed to have internet access, blessed with eyes to read, blessed with computer literacy, blessed with time to read, blessed with open mindedness to read on. You have a lot more to add to these.
Let us take time this season to reflect how blessed are we. Yes, comparing may not always be positive. Let's put that behind and think of how loved are we by God and by our family and friends. Let me start with myself.
As I review 2008, here's what I am thankful for.
To the Almighty God,
Thank you for:
..my life
..my wisdom which is gained everyday in my walk of faith. I may not show it outright but I might surprise you if we have a serious talk.
..my escape from an unhealthy relationship this year. There is so much pain in this, as this was the first time in my life that I've felt so much hatred. I thank God for healing me, for giving me another chance to straighten up my life. There was so much for me to learn. First, master the art of reading people if they are really who they say they are. One can be very sugar coated. Second, the pain of all pains is when one hurts your family. Third, affiliations are only affiliations, it does not define one's true self. Fourth, read minds. Fifth, patience for being a laughing stock at my back of friends.
..my physical abilities. I'm very thankful for my physical strength to run (this saved me from the above), to climb mountains, to live alone in a foreign land.
..the provisions He has provided. Last year, I have encountered financial difficulties but God is so good He gave me opportunities to save during my business trips in Hong Kong and London. Most notable is my acquisitions of Nikky (my nikon d60), and my laptop.
..my better health. I have struggled emotionally and spiritually at the latter part of this year due to my gastritis. I was a frequent visitor of Makati Medical Center this year. From lab tests, X-rays, ultrasound to endoscopy. I am glad I am in better shape now. Thank you Lord God for healing me and providing for my medicinal needs.
Thank you for my parents and Tita,
..for their love, support and sacrifices. for being with me in my stubborness, success and for their good upbringing.
Thank you for my eldest sister,
..whose stubborness keeps me from gaining wisdom and knowing that it is better to love than to be right.
Thank you for my youngest sister,
..whose support and care will always be treasured. I'll miss you..I'll miss protecting you. I pray that you'll be happy, safe, in good health and achieve your goals in that foreign land. Take care always.
How about you? What are you thankful of?
I wish that the true reason for the season be with you always. He's waiting for you.
He's so good a God, He talks all the steps only to be so close to you except for one. That one last step is for you to take. So much about loving you He is not that aggressive.
God bless you all! A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Kindest Regards,
Jay
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