Stop, Look and Listen

A teenage girl was about to cross from the other side of the street to catch the bus I was in. Her father (I presume), who was driving the other way, honked his horn. The girl stepped back on the sidewalk, suddenly realizing that the traffic light was green and cars were speeding by. She just wanted to catch her ride and wasn’t mindful of the danger she put herself in.

Acting on impulse can often be disastrous. It can create blinders that prevent you from seeing everything else around you. How many times have I reacted wildly to events without thinking, or decided based on my emotions at the moment?

The age-old instruction to stop, look and listen before proceeding really makes a lot of sense. In spiritual terms, I call these steps - reflect, discern and pray. Seeking God’s guidance will never lead you astray.

Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in your commands I trust. (Psalm 119: 66)

Quiet Time

Every day, I feel the need to be constantly doing something or filling my mind with thoughts. When I’m idle, I think I‘m wasting my time – and time is so precious in the fast pace of life here in North America. When I’m at home, the TV set, radio and computer seem to be always on, sometimes simultaneously. Even as I go to bed, my mind is still working, thinking of tasks undone and yet to be completed.

I remember a high school assignment where we were asked to sit alone in a dark room at home for about thirty minutes. We were supposed to write down our experience of the quiet and the darkness. For some, it was terrifying; to others, strangely comforting. For many, it was surprising to suddenly be acutely aware of one’s surroundings, senses and inner thoughts.

In the busy-ness of my life, I have forgotten what “quiet” means. The constant barrage of noise makes it almost impossible to sit “quietly in the dark.” But I must find the time to be silent and still. An anxious mind has no room for Godly thoughts. Only as I empty my mind of worldly concerns can I prepare myself for an infilling of God’s spirit.

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.’” (Matthew 11:28)

A Warm Bed

Have you ever thanked God for your bed?

Before we left for Canada, our house in Caloocan had deteriorated to the point where our roof had holes. Whenever it rained, water would drip from the ceiling. We had to move the furniture and put basins to catch the water. It was difficult to sleep during a storm as I feared waking up with water around me.

What a great blessing to have a dry bed! When my mind is troubled and I can’t sleep, I feel my body against the warm and soft bed cover. I huddle under the blanket, and immediately I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Everything else may be in chaos, but on my bed, I can rest in God’s comforting embrace. If God can take care of my earthly needs, will He not take care of the rest?

My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Major Mistake

There has been much fuss over the Filipino contestant’s answer to the question at a beauty pageant, “What is the one big mistake that you made in your life?”

Nothing is more humbling that to admit you made a mistake. I have committed a lot of mistakes myself – wrong decisions, actions that hurt my family and friends, missed opportunities, failed ventures. Nothing major, but altogether resulted to pain and disappointment.

At that time, they were cause for regret. But, in hindsight, I view them now as opportunities for learning. Those mistakes allowed me to grow as a person and acknowledge that I am not perfect.

I continue to make mistakes everyday as I struggle with my human nature. I cry a little, become depressed for a while, blame myself – but life goes on. Growth is about learning from your mistakes, not dwelling on them. Often, the most difficult part is forgiving yourself.

If you, LORD, mark our sins, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness and so you are revered. (Psalm 130: 3-4)