September 5th, 2009

God reminded me of HIS gift of LIFE last Sunday at church and when a bad and overly-unexpected thing happened to a very very dear friend this week.

When i started working on the night shift, I practically stopped going to church on Sundays. If am not sleeping, I am either just out or doing something special for my loved ones like baking or cooking. Weekends have been the only days for me to really really bond and reconnect with my family and friends.

I have tried so many times to go back to attending sunday services at Faith, yet I also failed much more times. I even asked a friend to find me a new bible study group and she did, but I was only able to attend once. (I am really sorry Shane...) I also attempted to talk to Teacher Penny and ask if she'll allow me to teach in the Sunday School again, yet I never found time and courage to actually do it. (I thought teaching would allow me to religiously attend Sunday services again prior to taking care of and teaching the small toddlers.) My ex-cell leader and good friend Zionna even invited me to join her in the nursery ministry, yet I also declined. At one point I was successful at being able to find a church in Makati and attend there on Wednesday evenings (before my shift), yet I also eventually stopped. One woman has actually invited me in her bible study group yet I declined since I got afraid to commit again. (Well you already know that I am the worst when it comes to commitment.)

But last Sunday was different. I was tired from a getaway with friends yet I decided to still go with my younger sister to attend the 5pm Sunday service at Faith. God made me realize again that the most important thing in life is LIFE.

The worship service just touched my heart. It has reminded me of how far I have wandered away from HIM and from the simplest of what He has asked me to do. For the longest time, I made myself busy wondering about the future and worrying about the tomorrow, yet the most important thing is the NOW. I made myself busy with things that are "yes," important to all the people, yet really not in HIS eyes. I forgot about my responsibilities to Him--to be his disciple, his faithful servant--to share His love and give people LIFE and HOPE...

Yet another unexpected thing happened...

Last Tuesday night, my roomate, who is already a family to me, Ate Carmelie, suffered from cerabral aneurysm. She was rushed to Makati Med and the doctor suggested that she undergo an operation ASAP. It meant coming up with at least 1M pesos to save her life. Karen her sister (a fellow roomate, also a sister to me already) was just very admirable. I admire her and all of her relatives' faith in God. They were very brave and they know that though almost impossible, they will be able to come up with that amount of money. True enough, help from other people started coming. They know that what's more important right now is Ate Carmelie's survival and they'll do whatever it takes to save her--as what's most important is her LIFE.

At this time, Ate Carms is already in the ICU. Her condition is already stable. All are just continuously praying for her fast recovery and I just thank God for his healing hand and power.

....

Lord, thank you for your gift of LIFE. May we always remember your ultimate love, that you have even sacrificed your own son to give us life. May we always love one another and to give our family and friends importance every single day. We we learn to celebrate life and the life of our loved ones in each day that passes. Lord, thank you for everything. May you forgive us from all our shortcomings. We continue to ask for grace, strength and wisdom from you. Guide us each and everyday. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.