LOVE Makes Us Humble & Thankful to God
by Esther
Being with my family in California last weekend, I was filled with joy to see them all and yet a bit sad without my mom around on my dad's 80'th birthday.
This reminds me when I was in grade school while my dad was assigned to Silang, Cavite, in the Philippines. We thought our presence was not that welcomed for being an Adventist in a Catholic community.
I will always remember one evening when my dad went on to his duty to share the gospel and we were advised by others to stay home with mom and not to open the door. That was the first time I felt really so scared in my life. Suddenly, a knock on the door. Mom immediately gathered us together, me and my four other brothers & sisters in a room, hugged us tightly, prayed, stayed quiet & still. It was a long & frightful evening until dad arrived.
Although mom finished only 3rd grade in schooling, she showed true love. A love that came natural, and something one can't learn going to school. She also showed love by giving total support to a life partner for doing God's work, and at the same time offering care & protection to her family.
"..for better & for worse, In sickness & in health."
A few months ago, we learned Ren was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I remember 4 years ago he came to visit my mom who was also diagnosed with stomach cancer. As a human being's first reaction, "too young," I felt very sad and again it comes back to my own personal journey. Then you pray for strength and hope & faith be strengthened.
He is a very nice and sweet "kid" to me and his spirits good. He is determined to fight on with the help of God, his family & close friends. I felt good to get a big hug from him. He also remembers the "eggrolls" he ate when he visited our home while going to school with our youngest son.
He & Jes planned to tie the knot this year in May but decided to do so sooner this January. As mentioned by our son, when Jes' turn came to repeat the vows, there was a long long pause (almost 5 minutes) for Jes was in tears. Emotional tears shed and shared by everyone in the room. What an expression of true love!
Love & Forgive
Hadasha found out her husband had a daughter from another woman. Naturally, human madness, bitter tears, distrust & pain followed but because of true love & forgiveness the couple are still happily married today. It takes two to work things out. She is taking extra mile by supporting Sam the husband with his ministry, providing bibles, literatures to medical teams for crusades & coaching singers. Their children, K and S happily accepted their "other sister."
Despite trials that still come in our daily lives, loving & forgiving keep us humble and closer to each other through God's own forgiveness.
Happy Valentines Day to you all, folks.
Healthy thoughts: Are we considered healthy person when we eat only healthy foods, regular on our exercise, getting enough sunlight & fresh air, getting enough sleep and rest? To me, adding this recipe: joy, peace, love and forgiveness makes one healthier and wealthier person.
(Note: Our wedding reception picture taken more than 30 years ago. Heart motiff made by cousin, Prescy Tangunan-Carr).
