Of Life's Blessings

I read TA & my brother JM's article in the GK News Bureau awhile ago. Their article was well-written but it has touched my inner core more than anything else. They wrote a story about Lola Uding of GK Selecta Village in Barangay San Andres, Cainta. Lola Uding's family lives in that shanty for quite a long time already and their house is yet to be renovated by Gawad Kalinga. She has taught me through this article the value of selflessness by constantly sharing what she has even if it may not be enough for her. I felt so guilty after reading the article. If you will notice in my previous posts, I've been so absorbed with ranting about almost everything. I've been so worried about so many things, my upcoming wedding and the life I will have after that, my job, finances, etc. when there are other people whose concerns are much much bigger than mine.

I guess not being able to go to the GK Site (San Andres) for quite a long time already has made me a superficial person at present. I used to go there to help out in the SAGIP program of GK for the beneficiaries' children. When I'm so pressured with a lot of things, going to GK has been one of my alternatives to go to during weekends because I truly enjoy the company of SAGIP kids. They might be young but they taught me things that are truly priceless, they usually keep my feet on the ground. Some of them may smell stingy or look dirty but I don't really mind, their smiles are enough to make my day. I actually know Lola Uding's grandson, Enrique, I must admit that he's one difficult kid but he's very smart. As the article said, there are actually 18 family members living in their little shanty and so the Psychologist in me thinks that Enrique behaves this way because he's actually seeking for affection & attention (imagine having to hurdle with 17 other people for even the most basic necessity/ies).

Lola Uding, Enrique and I'm sure there are more people whose life conditions are much worse than mine and yet they can offer a smile, help or be an inspiration to others. Inspite of their condition, they still do not dwell on self-absorption but find ways on how to offer even their simlplest blessings to others. Heck, I have so many things to be thankful for but I chose to complain over insignificant or trivial matters.

Being with family & friends, a smile from a stranger, getting an inspirational message or simply just being able to wake up each day are already forms of blessings. We merely need to recognize their worth in our existence and we'll know that they are all heaven sent. We may feel so broken inside but if we will just focus our hearts and minds on all of God's blessings then we won't feel the brokenness and emptiness that haunts us at present.