Learning the Hard Way

I'd like to apologize to my fellow bloggers for not updating my blog for the past month or so. My schedule was packed than ever. It's a good thing that God, great as He is, recognizes my frailties and that He shows mercy by giving me some time off from the busy environment and gather my strength for the upcoming activities this week.

The Regional YSA Conference we have been preparing for months was a blast! Though I cannot speak for everyone else, lots seemed to have the time of their lives. I especially enjoyed the community service section of the program. My team was assigned to the kids. Oh, how I love them! It feels good to see the spark in their eyes when you hand them a Zesto and a cupcake. It was even touching when they keep some of the food given so they could share it to those at their home, probably to their brothers or sisters. There, I felt how I was needed by people like them. Though the program would probably still be a success even if I wasn't there, knowing that some children was made happier at that particular moment, would be a comforting thought.

This morning and late this afternoon, I had the chance to read parts of Alma 51 and 52. If there's one thing I realize from this scripture block, it's about the stubborness of people - people who would rather learn it the hard way than just do what they know is right. The Lamanite people had to be defeated, with many of them suffering death, many times before they give up their weapons of war. But still, a number of them remain to be stubborn. Many times, in our relationships with our friends, family, loved ones, co-workers, etc., with whom we have become all too familiar with, with those whom we know would never leave us when things go desperate, we take lots of things for granted. We ignore their counsels, ignore even those important people, and when something happens, - poof! Too late. Sabi nga nila, kailangan pa natin mauntog para matuto. Hay.. nakakahiya man, I am one of those who take a lot of things for granted. A lot of times I insist on what I want. Stubborn kasi talaga ako. Lots of times I even ask in my prayers that I be blessed with this or that. It's kind of a weird punishment, but a lot of times I am given the things I asked for. After a while, I realize that that thing I wished for really wasn't the best for me after all. I should have trusted God's will, for He knows everything and has endured many things. I quote from Elder Valdez, our devotional speaker for the last day of the conference, wrote in his Powerpoint presentation, "There is no hurt He has not endured." My head is probably hard enough to crack this computer. Hehe. Now, I think this is His way of making me realize this. Why do we have to learn the hard way before we realize these kinds of things? Life, I guess, as Elder Valdez said, has its joys and disappointments. And this, is one of my life's disappointment.. tsk.. tsk..

'Nuff said about regrets. Ge, Sabs and the rest of the gang are planning a Christmas party. I don't have any ideas when, where, or what activities would take place but one things's for sure - rounds of BRIDGE wouldn't be left out. ;)