Of Islands, Fishes, and Blindfolds

Our family and some friends took advantage of the long weekend to frolic and spend a day in one of the Hundred Islands of the Philippines.  As soon as our boat docked on shore, we made preparations to grill our food using natural resources while basking at the soothing beauty of nature displayed in front of us.

 

Being the only people on the island, we swam with reckless abandon in the clear, cool water alongside schools of fishes that were probably terrified at our presence. I marvelled at the magnificence of the islands and the serene, tranquil feeling of being in the middle of it all. It was a fascinating experience.

 

While travelling back from the trip, we decided to hold our Family Home Evening while inside the vehicle because it was a Monday night. I was moved by the impromptu lesson given by our friend about a boy who, because of tradition and customs in his country, was left by his father blindfolded overnight in the forest to prove his manhood. In spite of the different jungle sounds that he heard and fearing that his life was in danger, he left the blindfold on until the sun was up—the appointed time that he was allowed to take the blindfold off.

 

When the boy felt the warmth of the sunlight on his skin, he took the blindfold off and was surprised at the first thing he saw—it was his father sitting right across from him. His father was always there throughout the night and never really left him.

 

Just as I’m ecstatic to see those hundred islands next to each other and those schools of fishes swimming as a team, I am most grateful that like that little boy blindfolded in the forest we are never really ever alone. That although we don’t see Him, our Heavenly Father is always there watching over us and is only a prayer away. Hence, as human nature truly dictates: “No man is an island!” J

Altruism…

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

 

While sitting on the pew behind them, I watched how a loving, young mother tried to gently keep her toddler from fussing during one reverent sacrament meeting. After attempting several different techniques that worked only a few minutes, she reached into her bag to offer her daughter a lollipop. It seemed to work instantly as the charming little girl climbed up to her and placed her head on her mother’s shoulder while enjoying her candy.

 

A little boy sitting right next to them watched intently as the girl relished her sweet treat. He gazed at her without flinching for about five minutes. When the little girl noticed his stare, she took the lollipop from her mouth and without any hesitation offered it to him. The little boy paused, looked at the lollipop, and then gladly took it. They both smiled and kept silent for the rest of the meeting.

 

I sat there in awe after what I witnessed. Adults surely will think it’s an unhygienic practice but it was the principle behind that blew my mind away. What a pure example of selflessness!!! I didn’t sense any regret from the little girl when she offered the one thing that she enjoyed most to someone that she thought would enjoy it more.

 

How light and wonderful life would be if adults could practice that principle as well—unselfishness. Let us keep in mind that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Life is too short to keep it all to ourselves. We have not enough time to hoard it all. Be it our time, our talents, our affection, our resources, let us choose a better way.   

Celestial Means…

 (Photograph courtesy of Edwin Redrino)

 

The rain was pouring hard last night on our way home from visiting my dad’s place. Under normal circumstances I would’ve enjoyed the ride, but the downpour was so heavy that I couldn’t see clearly through my windshield anymore and the road that we were on was already flooded.

 

Afraid of getting stranded while we were driving along one dark, flooded street, I said a silent prayer in my heart and prodded my son to offer another one in our behalf:

 

“Justin, would you please say a prayer to ask Heavenly Father to help us safely get home?” He nodded, closed his eyes and said a quiet prayer.

 

After a little while, when the rain settled down and we could already hear the hymn from our car stereo, I asked him again to say a prayer of thanksgiving. When he opened his eyes, I said:

 

“Did you thank Heavenly Father?”

 

“Uh-huh,” he replied.

 

“What did He say?”

 

He looked at me and shrugged his shoulders.

  

Prayer is our means of communication with our Father in Heaven. It is a divine instrument that we can use anywhere, anytime. We don’t need any power lines, batteries, or gadgets in order to connect. Just as I am excited to hear from my children about their daily activities, our Heavenly Father loves to hear from us on how our day goes, what our plans are, what challenges we are facing. He is never too busy or too tired for anyone. We are literally His sons and daughters and it would please Him to hear from us each day.

 

And just as I love talking to my children, our Father would also love to speak with us—if we would but let Him. His voice may not come as a boisterous thunder or with a strike of lightning, but it will oftentimes come as a still, small voice accompanied by a warm, peaceful feeling inside our chest.

 

How grateful I am for this means of reaching out to Him whose presence I may not be worthy to withstand. When the world is busy and no one else is available for me to talk to, I am grateful to know that I could always get down on my knees and pour out my heart to Him who listens anytime, anywhere, and to anybody—saints and sinners alike.    

Keeping Records…

 

I find that one of the surest signs of getting old is being forgetful. I’ve never been good at memorization and now that I’m back to school, it didn’t surprise me that it’s still at the very bottom of my list of favorite things to do. J

 

My 12-year-old son expressed his amazement upon learning one day that the human being is the greatest computer ever created. And I agree with him. I think it’s good that we have this characteristic in the human brain—that we can forget things that should be buried in oblivion and remember things that could help us progress into becoming who we were meant to be.

 

Once I was sifting through my things and saw a very old journal. I sat down and read the pages and was reminded of how I was able to go through life’s ups and downs during those years. I read how my hopes and dreams became realities; that some of the things I feared were baseless and never really happened; that faith saw me through all of the most difficult trials I encountered then.  

 

For someone as scatterbrained as I am, it pays to keep a record of life here on earth so that someday, in one of my senior moments, I will remember… how beautiful and kind this life has been to me… how I’ve been blessed with so much despite my being me… and how a loving Father has guided me and lifted my load every single day of my existence—and that, I will never forget.

Happiness in Simple Pleasures…

(Photograph courtesy of Edwin Redrino)

 

I took a leisure walk in the rain with childish glee the other day. I loved the cool breeze that gently touched my face and the sound of the raindrops that trickled down the pavement. It was one very refreshing experience.

 

There are a few things that give my heart that warm, fuzzy feeling. Watching the sunrise as I drive to work… my children’s laughter… a new leaf from a growing plant… a long, tight hug from my little nephew… catching the sunset on my way home… These are some of the simple pleasures in life that provide such immense happiness that cannot be measured in terms of what the world considers wealth. And the joy they provide linger.

 

There are moments when circumstances surrounding us get us down and we forget just how beautiful earth life is. During these times, it helps to remind ourselves that we are here to learn and grow from our painful experiences, yet at the same time discover the true meaning of joy and happiness!! Isn’t it such an interesting and exciting journey??!! J

 

It’s good to remember that true happiness doesn’t come from things that we can buy in a department store, or the amount of whatever currency we have in our stock portfolio. But most often, happiness comes from intangible things that we sometimes call simple pleasures! J

A Blessing in Every Curse

I was inside the North Tower of the World Trade Center when it was hit by a terrorist plane on September 11, 2001. I thought it was a good day for me to die… but my life was spared.

 

A lot of people thought of that tragic incident as a curse. Yet for so many people, including myself, that historic event proved to be a great blessing.  

 

Countless positive things came out of that seemingly negative situation. People softened their hearts and reached out to strangers in need. There were no barriers in economic status, race, or age—everyone united to achieve a common goal: to uplift the heavy hearts and heal the wounded spirits. Human kindness was overflowing.

 

But unlike that defining event in world history, there are quiet moments in life where no amount of aid from any human being will suffice… where only Divinity can appease the human soul.

 

In our daily struggles to be on the right path to get back to our real “home,” we acknowledge that we cannot make it on our own. Miracles happen and just when we think we are cursed, He blesses us. When we reach a crossroad and we think it’s as far as we can go, He bridges the gap and just won’t let go. Still every time we fall, He picks us up and saves us from further hurting ourselves.

 

I am deeply grateful that my life was saved that September morning. And I am eternally grateful for the amazing love of our Savior who would always rather give a blessing… instead of a curse.

U-turns…

I was driving to a friend’s house early Saturday morning and had a lot of things swirling around my head. I’ve been to her place a number of times before and was confident that I knew my way without needing to ask for directions. It caught me by surprise when I suddenly realized that I was driving down an unfamiliar road.

 

Sensing that I still haven’t gone that far away from the right direction, I looked for the nearest U-turn slot along the road and turned back. But because the road was wide and new to me, I didn’t have time to swerve away from the bus lanes that I ended up taking when I made the turn. From a distance, I saw silhouettes of two traffic officers holding their hands up in the air bidding me to make a full stop. I knew I was in trouble.

 

I stopped the car and rolled down my window to explain that I didn’t mean to take the forbidden lane and that I had lost my way and was trying to find the right path again. The officer asked where I was going. He probably noticed that I was trying to be brave and was holding back my tears from falling. He softly gave me directions and in a jovial way told me to drive carefully—without giving me any tickets.

 

I took the road he pointed me to but driving further along I found that it was blocked. It was the only way I knew how to get to my friend’s place. I stopped in the middle of the road and not being able to hide my frustration, I let the tears flow. I summoned another traffic officer for directions and after asking where I was going, he pointed me to the right path until I was able to find my friend’s home.

 

Life is full of twists and turns. We sometimes find ourselves on roads that we never meant to tread… or in very dark tunnels where it’s cold and confusing. But I’m very grateful for U-turns in life and for officers who try to help us find our way again. As long as we know where we are going, we can keep our focus and try to get back on track. The important thing is not that we got lost, but that we found our way again. There’s always a warm and welcoming light at the end of the tunnel—no matter how long and dreadful it may seem.

Full Moon and Stargazers…

Have you ever stopped and stared at the moon in its fullest? Did you ever wonder how it was created and what keeps it midair? Have you ever been fascinated by the darkness of the night with only the stars keeping it aglow? Such magnificent creations touch the deepest corners of my soul. And I oftentimes stand there all amazed and in awe.  

 

How glorious this universe is and how small I am compared to it. Yet the Creator of all heaven and earth is mindful of me! He sends people along my way to make me feel light and happy—ensuring that the balance of life is presented for me to exercise my agency. What growth opportunity and blessing!!

 

Sometimes in the busyness of life, we completely miss it!! We need to be reminded that everything is here for us to enjoy—whether through the burst of delight as a very dear friend brings you a beautiful bouquet of white stargazer lilies one early morning, or through the stillness of the night as you quietly gaze at the fullness of the moon. J

Struggles of Forgiveness…

During my first 16 years on earth, my rule of thumb was: “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” As a young, aggressive person, I thought the only way that justice would be served was to punish the guilty and inflict pain to those who have caused it so they would “learn their lesson.” I thought getting “even” with someone was just fair. In fact, I strongly believed that it was the most sensible thing to do.

Until one day, I was taught to turn the other cheek. 
                                     

“WHAT?? TURN THE OTHER CHEEK???!!!” was my mind’s reaction. How could one human being ever do that??!! It violated all the principles and statutes that were ever instilled in my young mind and soul!!  
                        

But there’s One whom I looked up to who showed a great example of turning the other cheek. He did it in such quiet dignity that when I’ve learned about His life and teachings, I wanted to follow His lead. He didn’t deserve any of the things that He suffered, yet He went through all of them in great humility and acquiescence.  

 

How imperfect I am compared to Him. Yet in my limited capacity, I now strive hard to walk His ways. Although I oftentimes fumble and fall, and there are times when my humanity gets the better of me, I’ve learned that vengeance is not mine. That if I pray for strength to forgive those who have wronged me in the past, and abandon any feelings of bitterness or revenge, then life’s load becomes much lighter. J 

                                     

Indeed, there is a soothing, healing power that comes from forgiveness. And I noticed that when I practice it often and well enough, turning the other cheek becomes a habit that isn’t too bad at all. J

Helping Hands…

Sweeping streets, washing cars, painting nails, cleaning schools—what do they have in common?                               

These are some of the service projects held by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the nation on Saturday, April 26, 2008, to kick off its jubilee celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the organization of the Church in the Philippines. 

 

Wearing their bright yellow “Mormon Helping Hands” vests, members of the Church offered their services with cheerful hearts and willing minds in different parts of the country.

 

For it is written: “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).

 

Most Valuable Possession…

In this crazy world we live in, we get pulled in all different directions. We sometimes get caught up doing things that don’t really matter much in the end—things that we cannot really bring with us when our turn here on earth is over. But there’s one that’s worth all our precious time and greatest efforts. It’s our life’s most valuable possession—our families.

 

Being a mom is my most favorite job in the world! Not only do I get a fresh peek at life through my children’s eyes, but it’s amazing how wonderful it feels like to see them grow from being infants, to toddlers, to the young persons that they are now. I am thrilled at the thought that one day they would be mature adults and I would be a grandma!J

 

And while they are still under my care, I delight at every minute that I spend with them. I enjoy the family home evenings, the meals together, the kite flying, the beach days, the beaded jewelry making, the games, the songs, and even the arguments on who gets to take a shower first or who gets to eat the last piece of dessert!! J

 

I am grateful for the opportunity given me to watch over them, care for them, and love them—in behalf of Him whose sons and daughters we all are.

 

I believe that families are forever! I believe that “That same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy” (D&C 130:2).

 

Let’s celebrate what we have!!! Let’s focus our energies on building our relationships with our families, for they truly are the ones who could bring us our greatest joys!! J 

 

Simple Truths…

When I was a kid, I often wondered what would happen to me after this life was over. Would my body be lying down in a dark and cold casket while my mind was wide awake trying to get my body move?
          
Being the active child that I was, I thought death was probably the most boring thing that could ever happen to anybody. I couldn’t imagine myself being still and restricted for even a short period of time, let alone forever!! 
               
Then as a wild and confused teenager, I met people who knew the answers to my questions. I thought I was an intelligent person, so I laughed and was cynical at the things they were saying. I tried to prove they were wrong—or at least did not really know what they were talking about—but every single time I asked what I thought was a silly question, they always had an answer. Answers that made sense and sounded very familiar. Truths and teachings that I seemed to have heard from a distant past.               

My spirit was touched at the things I had learned and for the first time in many years, I had answers to my questions. I finally knew that my spirit lived with my Father in Heaven before I was born; that I am here on this earthly existence to try to reach my divine potential; and that someday when my time is up, my spirit will leave my body and will one day be resurrected to become an eternal, immortal being. 

Such plain, simple, and yet liberating knowledge!!         

Now, a little over 23 years later, I am still amazed and grateful for how these simple truths have affected my perspective of life in general. Indeed, a pearl of great price that I will treasure forever. 

 

 

 

 

 

He Is Risen!

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst His three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered, man is free.
Christ has won the victory.
(“He Is Risen,” Hymns no. 199) 

As the whole Christendom celebrates Easter, let us keep in mind the reason for the season! Let us remember with rejoicing and deep gratitude the Atoning sacrifice that the Savior of mankind has made for all of us. He, being spotless, has taken upon Him the sins and infirmities of the world—so that you and I will not suffer as He did if we would repent. He summons us to come unto Him and accept the selfless gift He has to offer.   
            
Indeed, I echo the words in the hymn: 
                             

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angel say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!
(“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” Hymns no. 200)   

Walking Tall…

A few weeks ago, I caught a reflection on our tinted car window of what I thought was a little child in white shirt and tie walking down the Manila Philippines Temple grounds. I thought the body of that child was not proportionate to his height so I turned around to have a better view. I was moved by what I saw.  
                                
It was a young man walking on his knees.

I remember watching him in awe as he walked past everybody standing in the long aisle that connected the visitors’ center to the temple. He walked with his chin up, making no display of shame or excuse on how he physically appeared. His countenance shone and his spirit soared.

When I came to his town to interview him, I learned that he is a man highly esteemed by those around him. Being the Sunday School president and a counselor in the Young Men presidency, he exemplifies the true meaning of selfless service. He gives more than he receives, despite his physical handicap. He is grateful for the life given him and looks forward with faith to that day when his body would be restored to its perfect form and he would be able to enjoy “walking” the way most people do. 
                                  
Yet to me and to those who know him, he is already walking ten feet tall! His example of service and faith is something to emulate. I hope to be able to serve my fellowmen as he does—-selflessly—-with the complete faculties given me, in the period time that I am granted in this earthly life.

Riches of eternity…

Last weekend, I had the privilege of seeing some things that I’ve never seen before. I was sent, together with a colleague, to a sleepy town called Talisay to cover a story on 40 baptisms that will occur that Saturday. That baptismal number is huge, even for a country like the Philippines where baptisms in double digits are not unheard of.  
                                                    
I was astonished at the mere thought of it. I imagined how it would be like to see them get baptized and wondered what made them accept the gospel as they did.  
                                             
As we drove down the countryside, the one-way winding dirt road that had the ocean on the right hand-side and the lush mountains on the left-hand side made me and my colleague look forward to whatever else laid ahead. Little did I expect that I would be in for one of the greatest lessons of my life.

Having the ocean in their front yard and the mountains in the backyard, the people in Talisay live simply. It’s a common thing to see people walking, sometimes barefoot, for kilometers to get to where they are going. They are void of the modern technology that I thought I couldn’t live without back home. Some of them don’t even have electricity in their homes. They live in nipa huts and their main source of living comes from small-boat fishing and their little rice fields.  
                                                 
In my eyes and in the eyes of the world, these people might appear poor, but I’ve learned first hand that they have the riches of eternity. They are humble and teachable people. Free from the aspirations of the outside world that make some people forget who they really are. They are not puffed up or obsessed with worldly success and wealth. They acknowledge that their Maker provides for their needs and that they are nothing without Him. When they first heard of the message of the gospel, they acknowledged the sweet whisperings of the Spirit and like little children recognized that this message is something they’ve heard of before—only in a place beyond this earthly existence. Hence, it was easy for them to accept the gospel and decide to get baptized.  

As we boarded the plane that would take us back home, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the experience that we’ve had. We had more appreciation of the blessings that were given to us, an increased desire to extend love and selfless service to our fellowmen, a keen realization that these things that we have in this world are just that—temporary—and that the more important things are those that we can bring with us beyond the veil.   
                      
It was a great learning experience. One that I am hoping not to ever forget in my entire life.