Just got home. Today finally after three days of delayed action, I got up to visit the doctor. Not by my own efforts though, if not for my persistent Netty who's vowed never to see me this week if don't see a doctor. So after lunch I picked her up. Driving today was hellish. It's mad hot, it's traffic because of lots of road works, plus my rough coughing--I was on the verge of losing patience.
Finally we arrived, the place was jam-packed. I was 10th on the line. I was a bit embarassed because Netty has seen my check-up history since 2000. Some still recurring, some I totally forgot I had. My turn comes and the diagnosis: I have three things happening all at the same time. I had acute bacterial sinusitis, something I'm very familiar with already. Dry coughing and sore throat. Dr. de Guzman said its rampant these days because of the heat. And he gave me three presciptions for each. After check-up we went to the drugstore to buy meds. After that we went to G4 to have dinner.
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I was already becoming cranky because its past six and the headache and sore throat are taking their toll (they get worse in the evening, specifically from 6 to 12). Every cough triggers a very painful headache.
As we begin to eat, I saw this dad approaching where her young daughter was seated. Looks like a daddy-daughter bonding. As he was preparing their food on the table, her daughter got to excited and knocked the biggie-size cola spilling it on the table and on the girl. And immediately my thought was what a clumsy girl this was and if I was the dad I would really be annoyed. But the dad didn't get mad, not even a hint of irritation. Immediately he wipes his daughter's soaked clothes and sends her to the comfort room. Then suddenly He opened my eyes to see. How God is like that. That sometimes, we think He snaps the moment we mess up. But instead we find a patient Father who loves His children unconditionally. The crew moves them to another table at the dad's command. And the girl returns and finds her soda restored. And they ate and had a great time together like nothing happened before. What an overwhelming revelation in common daily life.
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At the end of the day, I realize again what a blessed man I am. That He would allow someone like me to be with someone like Netty. I am humbled and amazed about this grace, who loves and takes care of me. She arranged the times when I should take my meds, put them in small packets with notes when to take them. I jokingly told her that its good that I have a personal nurse, but of course I am very thankful and blessed to have her in my life.
The Mind of the Melancholeric Man: Musings on Life and Ministry by Patrick Tan
Come Away with Me
Mark 6:31-32, “And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest for a while.’ (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.”
Christ’s invitation for all of us after a hard day’s work, “Come!” Come away. Two words seldom found together. Coming to Christ means I must go away—give up, let go—from all my worries and cares to the One who can grant absolute peace (John 14:27). Why do we sometimes have a hard time giving up things? We stubbornly grasp and fight for a crumb when the feast is waiting there (Luke 14:16-24). He calls us alone, by myself, away from the supposed “connected” electronic lifestyle—alone because He wants me for Himself. He rejoices over me (Zephaniah 3:17), the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). He is my Shepherd, I am His sheep. He leads me by still waters and gives perfect rest (Psalm 23). It is dwelling in the presence of the Uncreated One, where I truly become a human BEING, complete and purposeful.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)
Christ’s invitation for all of us after a hard day’s work, “Come!” Come away. Two words seldom found together. Coming to Christ means I must go away—give up, let go—from all my worries and cares to the One who can grant absolute peace (John 14:27). Why do we sometimes have a hard time giving up things? We stubbornly grasp and fight for a crumb when the feast is waiting there (Luke 14:16-24). He calls us alone, by myself, away from the supposed “connected” electronic lifestyle—alone because He wants me for Himself. He rejoices over me (Zephaniah 3:17), the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). He is my Shepherd, I am His sheep. He leads me by still waters and gives perfect rest (Psalm 23). It is dwelling in the presence of the Uncreated One, where I truly become a human BEING, complete and purposeful.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)
Day in the Life: Work, work, cough, cough, work
1AM and still awake. Just finishing off some projects. Though they don't really run out. Been kind of sick for three days now. I forgot how it started. But I suspect its the mad heat these days. I have a bad sore throat, dry cough, clogged nose and headache and sore muscles. Exag?? Not really. It's weird because only gets worse during night time. But when its past 12 like now, I feel better even with the cough and flu.
Today, got a morning call from US after barely 3 hours of sleep for a conference call with my boss and other team mates. After the meeting, parents already awake, had breakfast and went back to sleep. Woke up 12 noon. Do more work. Watch a bit TV then work again. I was planning on visiting the bank, then visit the doctor and have a haircut. I was only able to do the last one. I missed the doctor who just left when I arrived. Dropped parents to a wedding. Proceed to SM Manila. Had a good haircut. Walked around and ate dinner. Went back to church to pick up parents.
Caught American Idol on TV, the contestants sang Shout to The Lord by Hillsong.
Today, got a morning call from US after barely 3 hours of sleep for a conference call with my boss and other team mates. After the meeting, parents already awake, had breakfast and went back to sleep. Woke up 12 noon. Do more work. Watch a bit TV then work again. I was planning on visiting the bank, then visit the doctor and have a haircut. I was only able to do the last one. I missed the doctor who just left when I arrived. Dropped parents to a wedding. Proceed to SM Manila. Had a good haircut. Walked around and ate dinner. Went back to church to pick up parents.
Caught American Idol on TV, the contestants sang Shout to The Lord by Hillsong.
Day in the Life: Weight Loss and An Embarassing Moment
Day in the Life: Weight Loss and An Embarassing Moment
This morning woke up at 10AM. Today Netty and I would be visiting Ate Merla at the Chi Alpha house. After lunch, prepared myself and while checking myself on the mirror I noticed that I lost some weight. I mean I noticed it. I thought perhaps this was the result of sleepless nights this week. I wanted to ask my mom to confirm my observation, but I just kept my mouth shut.
Took LRT to school. I had to return a book to a professor. It's been a while since I took the train again. Checked out the class schedules for next semester. I noticed that I have completed a significant number of subjects for my degree and its great, I might be graduating sooner than I thought. Paid my tution dues.
Had an embarassing moment at school: As I was entering school I noticed a guy wave at me by the stairs. I couldn't make up his face so I went closer to see who it was, and I didn't know the guy. He was trying to say something. I tried to clarify. But he said, "Never mind." OK, so perhaps this guy's trying to ask for money or something. I mean many times I've been asked by strangers for some coins. So went in, did my stuff and it's time to leave. As I was leaving, I noticed the guy enter the school with Deando, a friend from Central AG and also a schoolmate, one of the churches of Section 2. I met them and Deando introduced him as a youth from their church. I mean I was so embarassed because finally it dawned to me that his face was familiar, perhaps I have seen him from last sectional fellowship, perhaps even prayed with this guy. I just never thought that I would meet him in an unexpected place. They were there to participate in a recital for the music course. Needless to say, I apologized to death even as we parted ways. Another "suplado" moment on my record.
Also while at school, someone noticed my weight loss. I was like, "really?" with matching ear-clapping. I mean it wasn't a significant of weight loss. You might be disappointed when you see me. It is such a deal because for sometime now I was puffed up because of lack of exercise and proper diet. And I really wanted to get back into shape.
After school, went to Netty's place. Her clinic is already closed. Said hi to family and took off. Took MRT to Gateway, had Dairy Queen after a very long time. Then took LRT2 to Pureza. After a long travel finally we arrived at Ate Merla's place. She cooked dinner for us. Ate Joy was also there. She's getting married in 6 weeks. And she's quite busy now with wedding preparations. Boyet from TLA is her soon to be husband. Happy for them. Again my loss of weight had been noticed, to my girlfriend's disbelief. It was a great time of food and fellowship, catching up on each one's lives. Talks of relationships and faith and testimonies. It was all good. After dinner, I was sleepy, a common effect after I get full. After staying for a few more minutes. We said our goodbyes, took Netty home and came home almost 12NN.
This morning woke up at 10AM. Today Netty and I would be visiting Ate Merla at the Chi Alpha house. After lunch, prepared myself and while checking myself on the mirror I noticed that I lost some weight. I mean I noticed it. I thought perhaps this was the result of sleepless nights this week. I wanted to ask my mom to confirm my observation, but I just kept my mouth shut.
Took LRT to school. I had to return a book to a professor. It's been a while since I took the train again. Checked out the class schedules for next semester. I noticed that I have completed a significant number of subjects for my degree and its great, I might be graduating sooner than I thought. Paid my tution dues.
Had an embarassing moment at school: As I was entering school I noticed a guy wave at me by the stairs. I couldn't make up his face so I went closer to see who it was, and I didn't know the guy. He was trying to say something. I tried to clarify. But he said, "Never mind." OK, so perhaps this guy's trying to ask for money or something. I mean many times I've been asked by strangers for some coins. So went in, did my stuff and it's time to leave. As I was leaving, I noticed the guy enter the school with Deando, a friend from Central AG and also a schoolmate, one of the churches of Section 2. I met them and Deando introduced him as a youth from their church. I mean I was so embarassed because finally it dawned to me that his face was familiar, perhaps I have seen him from last sectional fellowship, perhaps even prayed with this guy. I just never thought that I would meet him in an unexpected place. They were there to participate in a recital for the music course. Needless to say, I apologized to death even as we parted ways. Another "suplado" moment on my record.
Also while at school, someone noticed my weight loss. I was like, "really?" with matching ear-clapping. I mean it wasn't a significant of weight loss. You might be disappointed when you see me. It is such a deal because for sometime now I was puffed up because of lack of exercise and proper diet. And I really wanted to get back into shape.
After school, went to Netty's place. Her clinic is already closed. Said hi to family and took off. Took MRT to Gateway, had Dairy Queen after a very long time. Then took LRT2 to Pureza. After a long travel finally we arrived at Ate Merla's place. She cooked dinner for us. Ate Joy was also there. She's getting married in 6 weeks. And she's quite busy now with wedding preparations. Boyet from TLA is her soon to be husband. Happy for them. Again my loss of weight had been noticed, to my girlfriend's disbelief. It was a great time of food and fellowship, catching up on each one's lives. Talks of relationships and faith and testimonies. It was all good. After dinner, I was sleepy, a common effect after I get full. After staying for a few more minutes. We said our goodbyes, took Netty home and came home almost 12NN.
More to This
Mark 2:8-11, " ... Jesus .. said to them, "Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven'; or to say, 'Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,"--He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home."
How richly blessed are the children of God with the eternal grace and spiritual blessings that God has made accessible to us through Christ. But sometimes, I fail to look beyond the horizon of what God thinks I can become. It is by faith that the Healer forgives sin and remembers it no more. But for the fool it becomes a ticket to live the cycle all over again. We fail to realize--or rather our eyes become dull to see-- that there is more of this; that just as he has the authority to bestow mercy he is more than able to get us and keep us walking--restore us to who we were in his fold. There should be in us a holy ambition, an aspiration to move to higher heights of living in faith. Lord you are everything I need, my all in all.
How richly blessed are the children of God with the eternal grace and spiritual blessings that God has made accessible to us through Christ. But sometimes, I fail to look beyond the horizon of what God thinks I can become. It is by faith that the Healer forgives sin and remembers it no more. But for the fool it becomes a ticket to live the cycle all over again. We fail to realize--or rather our eyes become dull to see-- that there is more of this; that just as he has the authority to bestow mercy he is more than able to get us and keep us walking--restore us to who we were in his fold. There should be in us a holy ambition, an aspiration to move to higher heights of living in faith. Lord you are everything I need, my all in all.
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