Every Child Is Special

A boy who can neither read nor write. A friend of mishaps. A teacher’s nightmare.  Ridiculed. Despised. Misunderstood even by his roots.

I wouldn’t dream of having a pupil like this.  If I’m lucky enough to have one, uhm, it surely will be a pain in the head.  Seriously though, it will be a pain in the heart.

I never realized how a child lives in his own world until I watched this movie.  There certainly are a lot of things going inside a child’s mind, those that we don’t understand as adults.  Comprehending everything that a child does is synonymous to studying a whole new course of human behavior.  What adults see as shades of gray, they see as dancing luminous objects.

This movie changed my perspective.  Not that I don’t know how to teach.  It’s just that sooner or later, I might become one of the teachers who simply bark at students who cannot readily cope with the rest.  Yes, they have a point.  In a class of 40 or 60 pupils, how can a teacher take care of each pupil’s needs? 

Where Do I Go?

Experience teaches you the hard way.

Photo credits to Luminaria - Durham, NC 

I remember the life I had ten years ago.  I was a fresher in college then, taking up Bachelor in Secondary Education major in English.  Things changed somehow when I turned 18. I shifted to General Science as a major.  Since then, everything became smooth-sailing.

I would always admire my group.  They call us young scientists, intuitive and adventurous as we were; we always prove them right.  My future was set then. I’ll rise to the top; I’ll do better than my batch mates; I’ll enroll in post graduate courses, and be one of the best science teachers in the country. When I was absorbed by my Alma Mater, I stood grateful and happy for taking the first steps towards my dreams.

I was good. I’d often receive positive feedback and thumbs up from my mentors and school head.  My board rating was high and most importantly, my students learn from me.

 

I didn’t see it coming.  When I transferred to my current school, I was assigned a teaching load in the English department.  The excellence-driven me accepted the challenge.  How ironic! I was supposed to teach Biology in either of the two universities where I was accepted.  And there I was trapped in a school that offered me an English load. That was how I treated the matter then.

God Chisels

A shocking revelation turned my queries into definite answers.  God answered them for me.

Photo credits to www.spiritlessons.com

It was barely two weeks when I experienced a loss, or to be more precise, a failure.  I was used to winning and achieving what I want.  My numerous triumphs in various areas in my life led me into believing that I am favored by God.  I continued dreaming.  My friends and acquaintances look up to me.  They regard me as someone atop them; someone so blessed and fortunate to have the kind of life that I am living right now; but amidst all these, I remained humble. 

However, there is this part of me that should be chiseled.  Unknown to me, I have this egocentric me, selfish me, fame-hungry me.  I didn’t know I have these, until God allowed me to experience failures and disappointments that were supposed to teach me things that I shouldn’t have taken for granted.  Deliberately, I’ve changed. 

People say that the real you will only be seen as you experience a crisis in your life; something tragic, mind-blowing, and totally upsetting.  That holds true to me.  In the midst of my joy, I clearly see God as a generous, loving Father.  But it just changed.  Doubt engulfed me when I learned about my failed test.  Pain consumed my heart.  Shame took away my joy.  I doubted Him for not granting my desire.  I asked, “Why not? When?” I was smashed into pieces and accused him of hurting me.  My pride took my joy for that shame slowly creeping into my being.  I didn’t trust him; I turned into questioning him instead even if I know I didn’t have the least right to do it.

Enduring Life's Tests

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

                                                    -          James 1:24

Photo credits to www.spiritlessons.com

“Inner peace”, a very famous line from the movie Kung Fu Panda.

He faced a lot of difficulties.

He was ridiculed, mocked, laughed at.

He was saddened, had self-pity, and lost confidence.

That was his past.  Fast forward to the present.

One day he plummets.  Next he goes up, and...cheery panda, he jokes! Oh, thanks to his master!

“Inner peace”, that’s the tag line.  Until he found peace, he couldn’t have conquered his fear and won the battle. 

Just a movie, but the lessons are practically for us humani.  It could simply be a source of entertainment for some, but only if you dig deeper will you find its real core.

Do you know someone who, just like the big fat panda, had bravely crossed the raging sea of trials and hurtaches? I’ve known quite a number of them; but there were the chosen ones who’ve etched their way into my heart.

My Angel

"Hi there! I'm Agie." She spoke cheerfully as she offered her hand.

"I'm Dolly. I'll be teaching English." I answered enthusiastically.

That was the start of a lifetime friendship, one that is genuine and real.

It takes two to tango - that's what people often say.  They're absolutely correct, but I have another version.  It takes two to create a special bond, one that will never be cut through whatever pains and hurts life may bring.  It also takes two open hearts to immerse one's self into the possibility of being loved or rejected.  

We chose to take the risk and we're willing to accept whatever it is. But as we furthered our friendship, love grew unceasingly.  Selflessness, acceptance, patience, care, and love bloomed unexpectedly.  We're sisters, not by blood but by the extraordinary love, concern and trust that we both happily share.

I just thank God for everything, especially for the gift of person, of friendship, and of love. May you also find a sister, a brother, a friend, genuine and sincere without a doubt.  I pray that you'll be blessed with this extraordinary relationship with an extra special person, God's gift to you.  I call mine an angel.

You Are Not Alone

Ever since I learned about this girl’s victory in Pilipinas Got Talent Auditions, I never wasted any moment and started campaigning for her. I followed her up to the grand finals. Yes guys.  She was my inspiration as I wrote this piece. 

I wouldn’t talk about her life; but as you go on reading, you’ll soon discover the many reasons as to why this girl had given me much inspiration.

The song is great, isn’t it?  But more than this masterpiece is the quality of heart rendered as it was sung.  My heart is almost always filled with compassion as I listen to this.  It’s the kind of thing that you feel when you know God is with you.  It couldn’t be heaven-like; but yes, it is.  And for multiple reasons, why this song?  Why this girl?

Mighty Savior

Saviour, He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save

He is mighty to save

Forever, Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave.

Wowed, flabbergasted, thrilled, enthralled!  What a great God we have!  I couldn’t help but feel this way whenever I hear this song.  Yes! The lines from this song are very mighty indeed. 

Last week wasn’t any ordinary week for my family.  No one sensed it and so we were all caught by surprise.  Mom had to drag my father to the clinic for a check up, just to make sure that he is well. But then it turned out to be the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  The waiting didn’t have to take long since my father was ushered immediately to the doctor’s office. 

Childlike Innocence

“Why are there bad people?” I asked a smart 3^rd –grader in one of my English classes. 

“It is because they do bad things.” was his immediate answer.

“Why do they have to do badly?” I probed.

“Maybe it is because they really want to have or do something.  But for them to acquire or experience it, they have to pass through the process of being bad”.  He responded with much confidence that you’ll think this 9-year-old boy already had a glimpse of what life is at present.

 I was so upset when I asked him that question.  I needed to vent out my frustrations.  I desperately wanted to say uncouth remarks but I couldn’t, and I wouldn’t have done it if given a chance.  What an unhealthy way to live the day, hearing with bleeding ears made-up stories against me.  That was the least I wanted to hear but in my every move, it seems that speckled eyes follow me. 

By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

This novel is one of Paulo Coelho’s best.  It talks about the great mystery of love and suffering.  When two people follow the path of love, no amount of distance, travel and success could hinder them from reuniting, to savor the sweetness and delight that only genuine love is capable of giving.    At the summit of triumph, his love for Pilar was greatly tested, and so was his faith.  They battled with it, sleeping in desperate attempt to contemplate what their love could do without risking their mission.  A devoted Catholic capable of performing miracles and healing, he was on the height of his discernment, whether to accept his gift and carry out his mission alone, or abandon it and be with the woman he loved for years.  The revelations that each day presented led them to the re-examining of the past which made Pilar’s love for him stronger.  He gave her back her faith and restored her relationship with God. But as their blissful hearts easily floated on the cascading waterfall, he asked to be freed of the gift offered him by the Great Mother. 

God's Helpers

Krngggggg...krnggggg...

It was a typical morning. Awakened by the alarm clock, I scurried to the bathroom. But that was no ordinary day for me and my family. Something awaited me as I stepped out of the house. That’s when the inevitable happened. Crossing on an ocean of fast-speeding vehicles, feeling anxious with my thesis, I felt the need to hurry. That’s when things flashed right in front of me. Like bolts of lightning, I couldn’t believe as to how fast things happened. Finding myself being summoned to an ambulance, I saw blood all over the place, an unconscious woman, a dead body, a traffic jam, a big crowd. I just survived a vehicular accident! Doctors could hardly believe that I missed death. That was supposed to be a sure hit. But there I was in the emergency room, with a few scratches, swollen leg, and feeling so lucky.

It hit me! That wasn’t my time yet. But how?

Unprecedented Conquest

“Wherever we are, in everything we do, there surely are valuable lessons to learn.”

This line is lesson in itself to me.  This was just a part of the speaker’s ice breaker but it really did make a lot of sense.  I wasn’t prepared for the many lessons and blessings that the day was about to offer.

We set foot in front of St. Andrew Building of De la Salle University early that morning for the annual campus journalism contest organized by Plaridel, the university’s Filipino organ.  It was a Saturday.  I could see traces of defeat and victory on the students’ faces left by the previous week’s sports fest.  But there was something dominant in their expressions.  Written on their faces was the excitement mixed with a twinge of anxiety and uncertainty.  It wasn’t easy considering the two-hour workshop that they had the day before.  With a warrior’s spirit, they still came to face the day’s challenge.

The day crawled slowly.  I could feel myself gradually munching everything like a piece of dish served to me.  I allowed myself to be immersed in the present.  Lessons were noted with my eyes opened wide and my ears listening intently to the sound and rhythm of the place.  I built my students’ confidence and reminded them to pray. It was an assurance that each of them brought armors no matter how small. 

On Temptations and Spirituality

I grew up with the promise that I’ll abide in God no matter what the cost.  At an early age, I learned to love Him and long for Him.  It never occurred to me that things will change somehow.

I’ve witnessed the not-so-good transformations of the people around me.  Angelic faces turned devilish.  Hearty laughter turned into malicious giggles.  I even had a glimpse of what we call “immorality”.  Not to mention the turmoil inside my being. Growing up wasn’t easy then.  It was a struggle.  To remain unstained.  To be pure.  To be holy.  Later did I realize that I had it all wrong. 

So I attended seminars, recollections, retreats, and a series of spiritual formations.  It was then that I matured, gradually, painstakingly.  I learned about the real meaning of spirituality and yes, it is a lifetime lesson.  As long as we are here in this world, we are never exempted from the spices that life has to offer.

How should one be spiritually mature then?  Or when does one become?  Is there any other living being here who had worked hard for it other than Pope Benedict XVI?  Is it even possible in this chaotic world?

The Smile

I was riding in a jeepney with my partner when an old woman in tattered clothes came in.  She carried with her white envelopes which were distributed to the passengers inside.  I’ve seen this scenario for several times already.  A woman or child would get in a public vehicle asking for alms through the so-called “organizations” labeled on the envelope, most often written in crooked strokes. Some would even sing or dance in irregular rhythm.  And, more often than not, people would simply ignore them.  Rarely do I see anyone taking charity into heart.

 “Begging is their way of living.  They must have been a part of a group controlled by heartless men.”

These are the usual reactions along with snobby faces.  This one was different.  Okay, people may call me an “accomplice” in the process but it wouldn’t stop me from helping these people (although at times I don’t).  I felt an urge to put just a penny inside the envelope and offered a short prayer for the old lady.  When I gave it to her, I was mesmerized with what I saw.  In front of me was the most dazzling smile I’ve ever seen and the words she uttered were a melody to my ears.  How wonderful it was to see that genuine smile that reached her eyes, blinding my eyes from an unattended dental hygiene and grayish lips.  

A Child's Heart

If you want to see pure and innocent love, look into a child’s heart.  His can do wonders that even the most intelligent adult couldn’t think of doing. 

I remember a story shared by a dear friend and mentor.

It was Christmas.  The air was filled with the sweet aroma of giving and sharing.  Homes were prepared, parties were set, and gifts were readied.  In one of the households, a little boy hadn’t any penny to spend for that prized gift.  On the table was a beautiful Christmas wrapper in gold hue.  Thinking only of its magnificence, he took it.  A little later, his father came looking for that special paper.  When he couldn’t find it, he started to feel annoyed as it was not an ordinary one.  As he interrogated his wife, the boy meekly came out from his room with a present wrapped painstakingly; but nevertheless wonderful because of its glistening wrapper in gold.    All his father could do was smile and feel proud of his son.  Mother and father were excited as they opened the gift, only to find an empty box of shoes. 

On New Year's Eve

I’m probably one of those individuals who didn’t prepare much for the New Year.   I just felt it utterly useless to ready myself for I know that my heart isn’t ready either.   I chose to live in that ideology.

It just dawned on me that perhaps I’m in the stage of self-denial.  How could I even start a list of resolutions if these flaws of mine remain blocked at the back of my lids?  These are hard to penetrate because everything seems okay from the outside.  Believe, that’s what I did.  Believe that I am good.  Believe that I didn’t commit major sins that continuously draw me to the pitfalls of my existence.

Reminiscing the year that came to pass, obscene scenes stayed vivid.  But that will be as it was.  Okay, I did my share of evil in this world, but that wouldn’t guarantee me a life of regrets.  They are but mere fragments of the wonderful life that I’ve had in the year that passed.  More to these obstacles are the battles won, the challenges surpassed, tests excellently accomplished, and lessons painstakingly learned.