A Tiny Tot

I had a tiny guest this morning–too adorable to resist–a gift from heaven I wish mine. But he is somebody’s child whom I considered a friend more than just a boss for once in my life. Not anymore! 

My adopted daughters had brought him to school for a morning walk. I was just thinking about this cherub when they came. It’s funny, right? Maybe my guardian angel had my longing whispered in their ears or someone else did. 

And so I played with this babe in arms like there’s no awful history to look back–a silent war I didn’t initiate or expect–a broken relationship between me and his father, which I don’t want to mend again. Enough is enough! I had done my part for countless times. 

Every time I looked at this little creature, I couldn’t help but wonder. “Will he be like his father when he grows up?” my conclusive thought inquired. It’s still early to tell for sure, but I am keeping my fingers crossed.

My family would probably react angrily if they knew the whole story. But I didn’t tell them because there’s nothing to be serious about. It’s a normal stuff we all go through. 

Deeper than this situation, a promise is a promise and I’ll keep it for as long as I can. This sweetheart is a godchild of mine even if he’s a fiend’s son. And he has nothing do with his father’s greediness and evil intention or responsible for what his father had done.

Humanly speaking, there’s a tendency for us to just say “like father, like son”–that if you listen to your illogical thinking and unstable emotion alone–not for me to buy this way of thinking. It’s pointless. My father was practical and intelligent in many ways, but I’m a loving and a caring person. That’s what makes me different.     

Even it takes baby sitting this tiny tot to fully grasp what’s like journeying with angels, I don’t mind because it’s a learning process–it’s a character check something out of the ordinary. I love my innocent godchild and he’s no enemy. 

From the moment he was born until today, it was always an opportunity to bless this little boy and to spend time with him. My affection for him hasn’t changed despite what had happened. He will always be a tiny angel…for now. 

As I cradled him in my arms today, I said a little prayer: “May he grows up kind–and not greedy; loving–and not indifferent; caring–and not apathetic; selfless–and not selfish. Above all, I wish that he won’t follow the footsteps of his covetous father.”

Dined with Angels

 

Have you ever thought of dining with creatures in white robes or with wings? Perhaps not because you knew they are immortals who never fancy what mortals crave. Or probably yes because who knows your imagination is wildest than anyone else.  

This mind’s eye of mine hadn’t come up until last week–for the first time in my entire existence. It’s so bizarre, I know, but it is worth writing the story–hopefully it’s larger than life. 

Yes, I dined with angels the first day of the year but not the first time ever. It was my treat this time to celebrate the gift of friendship and to bid 2014 goodbye. I actually dined with them the whole weekend through–when grace was so brimful of feastings and joy. 

They are no typical ones, but wingless–they wear fashionable clothes and up-to-date accessories, which incorruptible beings find them uncomfortable. It doesn’t matter for they got big hearts–full of kindness and generosity.  

They can’t fly either. And oh, that’s a lot better. I’d feel jealous then if they do because it’s also my fondest dream to take to the air literally. 

I also invited my adopted son to dine with us so that he would know that angels exist. In this greedy world where we are, seldom would he find people of good intentions–my friends are one of those warmhearted people. 

Whether it’s just a wishful thinking or a fervent prayer, we seek or wait for an angel to come to the rescue whenever we are down. It’s nothing wrong. And yet we also tend to forget that real angels are the ones we take for granted everyday–they can be our families or friends or mentors or neighbors or strangers in rare case. 

My unsolicited encouragement is to appreciate them while you still can–in season and out of season–in drought and in abundance. For even an immortal angel needs another angel as well to fulfill his/her duty. 

Dining with angels could be an off the wall scenario to think of–not when you cherish every good and kind individual that comes your way. So this is how I treasure friendship. 

Lucky you to find a good spiritual creature soaring or descending from and ascending to the heavens–I hope to encounter one, too. But why wait? They’re already around co-existing with you. You just have to have a thankful heart to notice each angel clearly as crystal–like those I dined with.

 

Drivers in Disguise

If you’re working or living outside the city, every ride you get means a lot–it doesn’t matter the drama–unless you got your own vehicle. And if not for important purpose or occasion, I rather stay home.

This time, I am going to acknowledge the service of taxi drivers, who for years have been my company along these rough roads up and down–to escape stress from work and get away from the urban life when I had enough–they were with me and will still be for as long as I’m in this country.  

    

My salary as a volunteer worker can’t afford to buy a car or a motorbike. And so I’ve no choice to squeeze in with other passengers (eight people) in a small taxi.  When my friend expressed her desire for a car, I knew how it feels–we’re in the same boat–it’s a great necessity.  

As usual I had to book a seat (seats rather with my adopted son) to celebrate the first three meals of the year with my friends in the city. It’s another significant ride no other man on earth could make it happen–only through this driver in disguise. 

Even just in a span of one year, have already lost count the number of times I took taxis to pick up and send off volunteers and friends (not to mention my own journeys)–not once I thought of giving value the effort of any of these angels–only pure business.  

  

Because simple “thank you” wasn’t enough in the past, just realized it few days ago, it’s now then to honor every taxi driver I’ll journey with in 2015 or beyond. I am going to look at it like riding a car with an angel. 

Of course, there are annoying drivers out there, but I know a lot who are not as well. So I’ll stick with these good ones lest unexpected circumstance insists. 

More than drivers in disguise, I will consider them as my angels now no matter if their intention is different from mine. I need them to help me fulfill my role in this country. They will be my unsung heroes.

They may not know this, but we are partners in crime (just kidding, of course). I mean we are partners in accomplishing my utmost longing to be a part of the development of this country as far as education is concern. Yes, they are!

So riding a car with an angel will be a continuous routine this year whether or not a miracle happens.