So much reasons to thank for

Last night we went out with my high school friends. We played around and made quite a few harmless foolishness. Later that evening, the conversation went serious. Since it was Thanksgiving Day in the US, it was slightly discussed.

Ivy said, “We should really celebrate Thanksgiving as well. This year has been so good to me. I am sure you have your own reasons to celebrate it too.”

I fell silent though a faint smile has not left my lips. The question has actually struck me speechless for a while. I don’t think they have noticed my sudden change of mood. The question made an abrupt ‘flash backs’ of the highlights that happened this year. I was honestly looking for reasons to be thankful. I could not find one. In effect, guilt flooded over me.

I realized I was so occupied with my issues that I have failed to recognize all the blessings I have enjoyed. For one, I am still breathing! I can still take deep breaths and and have some good night sleeps. I can still taste delicious food and see jaw-dropping sceneries. I still have my family who loves me and cares for me.

I may not show it and it may not be reflected in how I carry myself but I am so challenged this year.

My father died and being the eldest (not to mention my mom is a plain housewife) automatically the responsibility of sending my sister to school was transferred to me by default. I was so worried and anxious about the situation I failed to thank that at least this all happened after my graduation. Death is something no one can evade. It’s a fact that all of us will meet death. I just have to be thankful that when my father passed away, I was old and responsible enough to carry the responsibility. (Just please Lord keep me strong enough. My strength can never suffice the harshness of the world, be my source of unworn strength.)

At my age of 23 I have not practiced what I have finished in college yet. If I were asked, I’d love to teach. Looking back during my college days, I feel great each time I go in front of the class and discuss things specially that I can see from my classmates' faces that they are paying attention and really listening. (This is flattering since we have some instructors that cannot draw the attention I am getting from them). Or I also want to be in Research and Development. Unfortunately (or fortunately, I don’t know), I am not there yet. I have been trying to apply for scholarships that way I can proceed to Masters but for some reasons I still don’t get it (1^st sem – my application was nowhere to find, 2^nd sem – no more slots available for that semester). The process is very frustrating. But as I think of it, perhaps this is what’s best for me for the mean time. For one, I cannot gamble the security and compensation I am enjoying right now (even if this is not related to Environmental Science) since I have my sister who depends on me. (I am counting in You Lord that I am in Your good hands and all these things happen for a greater cause. I will wait for Your perfect time to reveal what You have planned for me. Help me to be patient and to hold on to Your promises.)

My four-year long relationship ended. Most of my friends see the breakup as a wasted relationship. As per them, we were a perfect couple. He was such a good guy, I agree to that but what we had was the stuff that USED to be. Things went different. As the saying goes, “The only thing that is constant in this world is CHANGE.” When I think about how my love life is unfolding, I am happy about where it leads me. Our breakup gave me the opportunity to be reborn—I guess I am more mature now and I can see I have become a better person. It also made Philip-and-me possible. I know it’s early for me to say (but hey, when did time become a gauge or a basis?) but with him, I feel so better. He might not be aware of it but he really inspires me. I tend to read more and think deeper that way I can interact when he’s in his genius mood (This is interesting and very timely since lately I have noticed my brain cells are dying. LOL) He’s also a very good effective guardian, he keeps telling me the things I fail to project and prepare for. He also has a unique sense of humor that really makes me laugh and fall in love with him even more. He indeed keeps me in shape. It’s not that I rejoice all the pains he has gone through before but I am thankful that those girls he had spent his past with failed to see how great and good guy he is. (I am happy about how the surprises of my life’s twists turn out. Thank You for making him one of its major wonderful surprises. Bless our love and help us not to forget that You have to be the center of our relationship. Help us make through and withstand the distance and the temptations that will come our way.)

Plus I have my friends who are always there, the type of friends you know you can trust your life with. I may only have few friends but they are simply the best. What is the need for plenty when only a few can be trusted. (You show in every way that You care for me. Thank You for bringing these people in my life. I intend to keep them for life. I can never thank You enough for allowing our paths to cross and for letting them be part of my life.)

Shame on me I failed to notice these things immediately. True, I have all the reasons to be thankful for. I have read somewhere “The Lord never promised a smooth ride, only a safe trip”. Things may not go easy and as what I have planned but I should not be anxious nor despair because You have already declared You have plans for me, plans to prosper me and give me hope and future. (Jeremiah 29:11).

So what if he's a gay (or not)?

This morning when I was on my way home, all of a sudden the scenes from this video came flashing in my mind. And really, I fought hard not to laugh. For crying out loud, I was walking all my by myself!

After getting hold of myself, I wondered what should be funny about it?

So his reaction was the least one would expect. I was honestly surprised as to how his reflex took control. One can really say it was an honest reaction. But really, does it matter?

The video shares and comments for this has gone exponentially over 24 hours. It's a relief though that what people say about this does not really dwell on the fact that he MIGHT really be a gay but more on to it's hilariousness.