MY GROWN-UP HOLIDAY WISH

I always tell my kids that when I pray, I make it a point to seek God’s grace first for my loved ones, second to relatives and friends and finally- myself. I only get to pray for myself when I have practically considered everyone around me and when I am almost asleep. I have always thought that at the time I am whispering my prayer, the people around me may not have the chance to pray to God for some reason or another, and as such, I thought the best thing I would do to end the day is offer a prayer for them to the Almighty.

Last Sunday, my 8-year old son asked me why I had to wear an old shirt, after all it was Christmas. Like any kid, he thought that Christmas was supposed to be the day when everyone was to don new clothes and shoes. In response, I said that grown-ups don’t really fancy new clothes and shoes anymore since they are more concerned about providing the needs of their loved ones. I added that as a consolation, I get to buy new things without having to consider the occasion.

Afterwhich, I realized that true enough I was not able to buy anything substantial for myself this Christmas. In fact, I attended a Christmas Party wearing a 200 peso shirt- with pride. Before the spending for the holidays set in, I was actually planning to buy new camera lenses and accessories but eventually after all the fireworks, I realized that these things had to go- the gifts for people around me had to come first. After all a lot of people I know did not even have the money to buy for their bare necessities. This is not to mention that SENDONG had to steal the show from us.

Today, as another year draws to a close, I have pondered on my New Year’s Wish and as with my prayer, my vested interests had to take the sidelines again. This year, I pray that people around me would have the resources for their own, be it for their bare essentials or that bordering the needs and wants. More importantly, I wish that they would have something in excess to share with others. I want them to feel the liberty and freedom of being with “means”. Sharing is a wonderful feeling and this is something I want others to feel too. Lest that you get me wrong, I am not advocating the love for money, I am actually promoting the principle of sharing one’s blessings. There is no better feeling than sleeping in the evening with the thought that you have alleviated someone’s needs even in your simplest way. This is my Holiday wish.

Happy New Year to all!