My Daily Bread
There will be some changes in this blog, or I might just create a new one for my new purpose.
Naturally I would pray in the morning, on my way to work. I usually pray on the bus, LRT or MRT. For the past months, I have been unable to pray especially when I am running late. Sometimes I am more enticed in listening to FM or MP3 rather than praying which makes me guilty. At times I would even bargain with God, asking him to give me a seat on the train so I can pray. And when I do get a seat, I would make a quick pray then listen to music throughout the entire trip. I feel like I am cheating.
Yesterday, while at mass, I was thinking on how else I could be more prayerful and reflective - it really does wonders in my decision-making. Then, I had this idea. I would like to believe God whispered this to me. Everyday, I will have the Our Daily Bread devotional as guide and reflect on that day’s passage. This will allow me to pray at the same time let me write, which is one the things I love to do.
I hope that through this, I am able to pray, at the same time inspire other people through my reflections and encourage them to pray as well.
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You shall teach them diligently to your children . . . when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way. -Deuteronomy 6:7
I used to hate Sunday’s. I didn’t like going to church.
Whenever I realize then that we had to go to church, I would pretend to be sick; or spend too much time pretending I need to go number 2 so we would be late and hope that they would finally give up on the idea. My mother never gave up on me. She would always bring me to church even though she knew how much of a handful I would be. She would first promise us with treats like balloons or ice cream after church; or a visit to my grandparents who live next town and when all else fails, she would resolve to threatening us of “gaba” or bad karma for refusing to go to church. That always worked.
I didn’t like hearing mass then because it didn’t make sense. It was usually hot and dusty. The church was built along highway and the roads weren’t concrete then. It was very rare that we chance upon balloon vendors and sorbetero - remember why seldom believe Nanay’s first offer?
Nanay continued on bringing us to church, having novenas in our house, joining block rosary and prayer meetings, going to pilgrimage and having her own prayer time. When she was requested to make clothes for the poon, she would gladly help. I could say that Nanay was religious, but she wasn’t pushy or discriminating with her faith. She did it with love, faith and so much enthusiasm.
But it wasn’t all just prayer for Nanay. She did good deeds in ways that she can. She taught catechism in nearby public schools. I saw her eagerness in making her classes as fun and educational as she possibly could. She was a bit frustrated as to much student was cramped up in that small room. She brought biblical story books, radio and audio tapes to make her class more effective. She also help the needy and reminds us be generous with them. “We have work and all, still there are times we could hardly eat. How much more this people?” she would tell us.
Later on I realize, I was joining the novenas at home, asking for her latest purchase of prayer and inspirational books, as well as having my alone time with God. With my small ways, I try to help our church and community, just like what Nanay does. My faith blossomed with much willingness and eagerness because of happiness that I have seen in Nanay. I wanted to have that happiness and peace that’s why I followed her ways. There may be challenges along the way, but I know that God is always there for us.
I can say that Nanay was successful in imparting us faith in being the good example that she is. I hope that I would be as inspiring as she is.