I turned 45 last Friday, March 15th. The day before, we signed the agreement for the 7.9 acres of land adjacent to ours that we bought. At work, about 3:00 p.m. on my birthday I was called to the Store Manager’s office and was offered a Back-up Manager position; no salary increase yet but I will be provided training and more options on the Telxon which will make me more qualified to fill up a Department Manager’s position when one becomes available.
We had a blast at John and mine's joint birthday party last night. I had to work and my good friends cooked for me. When I came home, all I had to do was to change my clothes and eat. There were lots of food and loads of fun. Good friends came to share the day with us. I cannot thank God enough for the many wonderful blessings He bestow.
Even though I was dead tired last night, God made me see today’s devotion from WAU- my favorite Psalm (the 23rd) and I was given a new insight to it. It was the first time that the focus was not on Jesus as my shepherd but the conclusion – GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
My friends, for 45 years, I am a living testimony of this verse. He has blessed me immensely, protected me and gave me a lot of life’s hard-earned lessons. To enumerate some, bear with me.
When I was 2 years old, Daddy had a most pressing trial in his life and Mamang Pendie took us under his wings. I had 2 near fatal falls from our Indian mango trees when I was in grade school. I was given good Christian education. He made me attend high school and college in all-exclusive Catholic school for girls which solidified the Christian foundation laid for me by my mom and her mother, my Inay Salud.
When I was little, I had an almost drowning experience but I was delivered from it too. He gave me friends along the way, most of whom I am away from now but still in contact with. Time and space are not boundaries when it comes to friendship. God made me reconnect with them on Facebook.
I was blessed with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends who truly care for me. I may not be rich materially but they are my wealth. I was blessed with wonderful children and husband who may be difficult at times but who loves me anyway.
I’ve had my share of fame. I was chosen as muse of the most prestigious club in our town when I was 16. I rubbed elbows with the rich and famous when I was working in the Philippines. I can say I have led a good life. I slept in five-star hotels, visited places. In fact, on Saturday, MJ and I together with good friends will leave for Washington DC.
I may not have fulfilled my dream of becoming a lawyer but He has blessed me with 2 college degrees, must have been 3 if I pursued my MBA. But I have also learned that degrees, fame, fortune, high position and properties do not not make you a better person. Apart from God, we are NOTHING!
He has taught me humility and patience through tribulations. I have learned that no amount of money in the world can make you happy. Peace, contentment and joy comes only in knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. There is no other way.
Yes, goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. They do even if you have not decided to follow the Lord yet. But it doubles if not triples as soon as you do. Am I saying you will not have problems or suffering if you do? I don’t. But there is peace and joy in knowing that we are never alone even if our spouse, children, parents, relatives and friends abandon or desert us. God is with us. He is goodness and mercy.
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth. I could never thank you enough for the gift of life, and for the gift of your son Jesus Christ who assured us that we can have life when this one is over. May I not defer from offering help when needed, may I continue to follow you and share your love with others any way I can. I know that only goodness and mercy shall follow me all the day of my life and I shall dwell in your house forever. Amen.
Meditation: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
--that in all things God may be glorified
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