Thursday, March 08, 2012

Learning dependence

Oftentimes, it is hard to learn to be dependent on someone else. Especially if you have spent most of your adult life being independent. Many things that you have taken for granted now become precious.

 

These days, I miss most the times when I can just easily go out of the house and go anywhere I wanted to. Meet friends, buy grocery, see a movie, go to the bank, or even just to chill out inside the mall. I could still do these things here but because I couldn't drive yet on my own, I have become very dependent on people around me like my husband, my mother-in-law, friends from Bible studies, or friends of those friends who are kindhearted enough to be a blessing to a previously unknown person. It is even more challenging to worry that you are becoming a burden or a bother to them. Back in Manila, I was used to doing things for other people.

 

I was reminded today that sometimes we find it hard to receive than to give. I guess we took to heart the saying about giving is better than receiving. At the end of the day, though, I should just consider it as another manifestation of God's goodness for, in fact, everything comes from God.

 

It is a lesson on humility. I am learning to accept the goodness of people here. Thank God that there are still people like that. And hopefully, someday soon, I too will be able to pass forward the goodness that I received and give it to those who are in need.

Lion Chaser Manifesto

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Chase the lion.

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson (www.evotional.com)