FULL MOON ON THANKSGIVING 2015

Fully thankful...=)

THE BETTER BOSS

OLD SCHOOL V. NEW SCHOOL

Don't be too greedy.  It would spell your doom...=(

CHANGING GEARS: PARAMECIUM

They can neither see, hear, smell or taste, yet sometimes can feel through a little bit of electrocution...=)

CHANGING GEARS: GUAVA DAY

CHANGING GEARS: STAYCATION

CHANGING GEARS: ANOTHER MONTHLY DEADLINE

MEASURING OURSELVES

November 19, 2015

The devotional today stated that a poll showed that most people think highly of themselves, with many answering that they are actually better people than what others think of them, or how they are actually doing.

While it is beneficial to our self-esteem and encouraging to think of ourselves as capable of rising up from where we are now, and of doing greater things, that is only one side of the coin.  We actually have to work and be the kind of person worthy of those great things.

Maybe this is the reason why some people I know could be so double-standard in requiring that the rest of the world cater to their ideals, while they themselves gladly compromise when put in an inconvenient spot.  Then too, there are people who are so fundamentally fatalistic and firmly religious in upholding their beliefs, and yet will not hesitate to utter harsh and insulting words to others or inflict violence on people who do not share their convictions.

I guess we really have to do a reality check every now and then, and abide by the Apostle Paul’s admonishment to look at ourselves clearly like in a clean mirror.  And a Christian would not be remiss in realizing that it is only with GOD’s Word that we can see ourselves as to who we really are.  But other faiths have their great books too, and from what is impressed on me, I believe these books are canons that guide a person in righteous living.

Maybe this is the reason why every testimony should stand on the words of at least two witnesses.  Measuring ourselves is never realistic, as there will always be the ulterior motive to present ourselves well to others, as it is the key to a natural human instinct for survival.  Hence, we need other people—true friends and family who truly care about us, and the laws and codes we live by—to make us see ourselves for who we really are.

WHEN THE MIND SNAPS IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE

November 18, 2015

I heard a somewhat funny yet pitiful story this morning.  One pedicab driver in our barangay, whom a friend described as a bit slow back in elementary school, once attended a fiesta celebration in the next town.  After probably one drink too many, he started walking straight, and a week after was found by a barangay official mindlessly wandering six towns north, all grimy and greasy and clearly unhinged.  When interviewed, he described walking through rice fields, crossing bridges, streams and a wide river, eating whatever he could lay his hands on in the paddies (even roaches, grasshoppers and rats) and sometimes drinking muddy water when the need arises.  Good thing the barangay official accompanied him and returned him home.

Why do some people suddenly lose it?  For many who have undergone such situation, not only is their consciousness or sanity gone, but also oftentimes their health, their belongings, their honour, their lives.  And yet, one could not solely blame it on alcohol or drugs, for there are also some who have broken down due to stress, severe depression and anxiety.

The human mind is really a very mysterious and powerful thing.  When it is subjected to severe stress and trauma, it tries to protect itself through forgetfulness, or worse, amnesia.  When problems are too heavy to bear, many people suddenly find themselves losing it.  It is terribly scary to suddenly find the world is crumbling down around you, but it is more horrible to have your mind snap when you’re in the middle of some of the most significant events in your life.

That is why the prophets, the apostles, the pastors, secular teachers, philosophers and psychiatrists recommend that we all take our time living our lives.  Problems will always be there, because it is part of our humanity.  But we shouldn’t let them sink us down into the depths of despair.  As long as there is tomorrow, we will always have hope.  There is no need to shoulder alone all the burdens and the hurts the tragedies of life shower upon us because that is what family and friends are for.

The pedicab driver I was talking about in the first paragraph, is still a pedicab driver now, sometimes picking up passengers and sometimes just ignoring a whole bunch of them even if he doesn’t have any passenger, and just traverses the roads cycling back and forth from morning till dusk.  But when people realize who he is, they just understand that he is not being choosy, but that his mind has once again taken a vacation.

An article from the Harvard Divinity Bulletin this past season states that psychiatrists are increasingly looking at patterns and systems of belief to help people cope with mental and psychological problems.  They observed that a strong and active belief system, which oftentimes exposes a person in community with others with whom they share even just the bare basics of faith and principles, is greatly instrumental in keeping people sane and happy.

As a Christian, that is one more point up for GOD and faith.  As a global citizen, that is one more cheer for those of us who believe that life is not all materiality, but in its very essence lie our spiritual being that constantly seeks to connect with others, which determines the salvation of our souls and our sanity.

PROCRASTINATION

Because of marathon-watching of a very gripping television series, I am eating my words and procrastinate writing much, although I really want to talk about it today.

Although most people associate the word with an undesirable trait, but actually procrastination may also be beneficial.  It lessens stress and forces one to rethink priorities.

At work, we are always being hounded by deadlines, and the more we procrastinate on daily tasks, the less able are we to meet deadlines.  Consequently, the less favourable will we be evaluated.

In the corporate world, people who always procrastinate tend to have a slower career growth.  But in the government service, I noticed that being able to finish tasks on time does not necessarily mean that one will climb the organizational ladder that fast.

Although it has been promoted in the business schools since time immemorial, and practiced rampantly in the career service, but promotions and recognitions are actually a result of people-orientation—the ability to get along well with everybody—first the bosses, then the co-workers, then the clients.

And I believe so is success in life too—like in the areas of relationships, friendships, marriage, and managing a family.  Being subjected to a harsh task master who is only focused on the results and delivering those results well may be good to a person’s self-esteem, but it is how much time we give to other people, how willingly we sacrifice our precious personal time and effort, that will last give a lasting impression to them.

GEESE AND DIFFICULT PEOPLE

November 16, 2015

There will always be days when one gets entangled with difficult people.  They cackle like geese, demanding to be treated specially and first, and not listening to any explanation on why some things must be done according to procedure.

I guess this usually happens when one feels that he/she knows better than others, and is in a higher, more entitled or privileged position.

A devotional writer said that geese look majestic when they fly.  But when they are on the ground, they are a menace to the farmer.

So must it be for some people.  They may dress themselves really well, or put on much makeup, or wear too many accessories, or clothe themselves with many achievements, much acclaim and commendation, but when they let their trappings get into their heads, that is when they lose all pretense at manners and a semblance of a thinking brain by letting their mouths run off, and thinking they earn more respect in the process.

 What airheads!

THE TRUTH THAT SETS US FREE

November 15, 2015

The pastor’s message for today was on the truth that sets us (our spirits) free.  It was average in length but very powerful.

Too many people today live life as if something is chasing or haunting them.  These things entangle us so that we are deprived of what are the true things in life that makes us live abundantly. 

I agree that the first is our relationship with GOD.  It would be liberating to know that Somebody up there determines what is best for us, plans only the good for us, and guides us to go there, rather than taking responsibility for how we live our own lives.  I am not a fortune-teller and it is exasperating to try to control a situation, a group of people, or a life without knowing what will happen in the morrow.  No matter how smart a person is, nobody can really assure the most perfect way of coping with uncertainties.

Although it wasn’t emphasized much but I believe the pastor had it in his heart that the next obvious truth that sets us free is to see to our relationship with other people.  If we are full of insecurities about ourselves, we try to take this out on others, and instead come out nasty and rude and overbearing.  But if we just realize that each of us is unique, each of us have our own issues and things we are either proud or ashamed of, then that should teach us to be more humble and respect each other more, and not carry our weight around, or try to always put one over others in order to feel good about ourselves.

The pastor said that the world today is focused more on gaining and accumulating knowledge but not wisdom.  True, so many people are concerned about the latest tweets, feeds or updates, rather than pondering over the things that they have read, and how these can be applied to their own lives, in order to improve themselves and make themselves better able to cope with the challenges of life, and the changes in other people.

The truth may be elusive and it is always under attack, but it remains the same through whatever season.  But it is always a worthy cause that merits a life journey the size of an epic crusade.