BioJeSSiC

Yesterday, me and my family went to Park Mall to buy some needed grocery items. I was exploring an isle while my sister and mother were in the meat section. The diapers being sold caught my attention. I said to myself that it’s such a relief to have no baby at home since it would cost us more if there was ‘diapers’ in our grocery list. I actually thanked the Lord that it’s not necessary for us to buy Pampers, EQ and the like. It was just a random thought for me.

After we paid for everything, the lady in the cashier told us to go to the promotions department. I immediately went to that area where we could claim our free item. There was a ball that I needed to drop so that it would land in one of the letters (A-E). I did it with confidence (and prayer!) and it landed in letter E’s box. The man there congratulated me and then handed me 8 pieces of Pampers! I really voiced out my concern that we do not have a baby at home. The customer next to me burst out laughing. That actually made me smile.

Anyway, what’s the point of sharing this experience? God was actually telling me to stop worrying about my financial status. It’s less than two weeks away before our Euro trip and I have to mention about my inability to buy some of my wants. But it’s fine, I know He will provide what I need and what’s important is I’ll be seeing my dearest sister very soon. I miss her a lot. Thank you Lord for being such a funny Teacher. Yes, I’ll truly remember this: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”- Romans 8:32. ALL THINGS INDEED! hehehe.

A realization came to me after borrowing a book from a friend. We called his book a “collector’s item.” All the bookstores in Cebu, including the newer ones, do not have that particular phrasebook anymore. They had other languages, other publishers, but they’re not exactly what I was looking for.

At first, I was hesitant in taking the book home with me since I know that my hands’ hyperhidration can easily discolor and damage it. I just can’t afford ruining such a precious item. I might be overreacting but you would understand me once you know how meticulous that friend of mine is. Meticulous in a good way, if I may add. If I can just find a replacement if ever I end up staining the pages with my wet and dirty hands then I wouldn’t have to worry much. But then again, it’s one of a kind. It’s not worth the risk.

Then it came to me that we are like that particular book. Each one of us is unique and nobody can ever find an exact replica of us. But too many times, I see people using others, thinking that they are dispensable or replaceable. They throw people away, leaving deep wounds and lasting scars. The value is lost and everything is not the same anymore. Say for example a man who demanded much from her girlfriend. They committed the act and then they broke up. Will they be happier now than before they met each other? Would their rightful lovers (AKA future spouses) benefit from it? I doubt it.

My point is not to judge people and their decisions. I have my own share of foolishness too in handling matters like this. But I just want to impart that there’s another way of doing things. This is not about being afraid of risks or pain. It’s all about seeing the real worth of a person. The beauty of love is seen not just in taking chances but in taking responsibilities. You don’t just give your heart away, you choose who you want to give it to. And when you care for that person, you mean it and you want that person’s happiness not just now but in the future, with or without you in it. It’s not always about seizing every opportunity, but making sure that in the long run, it will all be worth it. They say, one good reason for doing the right thing today is tomorrow.

I will be returning the book a few days from now. It’s on my table, untainted as if the borrower doesn’t have sweaty hands. I love the book but I know that I am not the rightful owner. I end up satisfied when I return it and the owner would surely appreciate the extra care that I took while it was with me. I hope everything was as easy as this so that there would be less injured hearts seeking for questions, asking for healing, and dealing with pain. Those unnecessary consequences from hasty decisions or deliberate disobedience are not worth it once you realize the real value of your heart.

References: Love always protects… (1 Corinthians 13:7) , Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23) and Spanish Phrasebook and Dictionary (HarperCollins Publishers)

PS: For those who have regrets, remember that there’s always forgiveness for a sincere and sorry heart. And for those who are thinking of giving it all up, think again and pray hard for your heart.