Buhay Bahay-Bahayan

I used to think it takes a lot to make something out of someone. As a child, I was taught to study hard so that I may be somebody someday. When I started working, my bosses would drill how hard work and dedication play a big part in promotions. These things were ingrained so much that just recently I decided to further sharpen my skills by studying technical courses in one university. I was led to believe that to be somebody, these things are needed.

But I was wrong. So wrong.

I should have just taken the easier way. A short course in one of Ricky Reyes’ Learning Institutes would have sufficed. I guess I could have been fairly happy as a manicurist. Just look at Anita Capron now, the president’s former manicurist. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines just promoted her as PAG-IBIG Trustee. And as such, she will receive Php130,000 a month, plus perks, for a fixed two-year term.

And what’s more, President Ayoko appointed her “gardener” Armando Macapagal (a relative perhaps?) as Deputy of the Luneta Park Administration.

Now compare that to friends and colleagues who have double degrees, some with M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in various fields to boot. Nowhere are they earning that much.

What these appointments mirror is the palakasan mentality that seems to corrupt our system. Here in our country, it’s not enough that you know something. You have to know someone or be a relative of someone to be SOMEBODY.

Ayo ay naiinis na nahihiya.

You can’t have it all.

Hindi lahat ibinibigay ng Diyos.

Do those words sound familiar?

When a successful person is suddenly stricken with an incurable disease, people would utter those words, as if trying to give a reason and/or somehow put blame. It’s the stigma that’s dogged it for all these years.

I too would often hear those words and wonder if that is really true. Would God really limit His blessings? And with those assumptions, are we not limiting God’s abilities? As if doubting if He can really give one everything that he/she desires.

A few months ago, He blessed us with a baby. And what perfect timing it has come. It’s growing day by day. I talk to it, and I sometimes sing to it too. And my wife is fortunate enough not to experience most of the pains and dicomforts most women suffer from.

About two months ago, I was praying for more opportunities and for Him to bless the work of my hands. And you know what? He blessed me with so much work that I don’t even have the extra time to write here.

I know that He has nothing but good plans for us. I refuse to believe that there is a limit to what He can do for me and my family. I believe that He will give us everything that we will ever need (and more), all in due time.

(Photo Source)

Sharing this wonderful and insightful thought on praying written by Paulo Coelho.

A farm labourer with a sick wife, asked a Buddhist monk to say a series of prayers. The priest began to pray, asking God to cure all those who were ill.

“Just a moment,” said the farm labourer. “I asked you to pray for my wife and there you are praying for everyone who’s ill.”

“I’m praying for her too.”

“Yes, but you’re praying for everyone. You might end up helping my neighbour, who’s also ill, and I don’t even like him.”

“You understand nothing about healing,” said the monk, moving off. “By praying for everyone, I am adding my prayers to those of the millions of people who are also praying for their sick. Added together, those voices reach God and benefit everyone. Separately, they lose their strength and go nowhere.”