Back to September

So it's September. I have a number of things to celebrate/commemorate/hope for this year.

Things to commemorate/celebrate:

> Here comes the "Ber" months. The Christmas countdown begins. It's been my habit to greet "Merry Christmas" every 1st of September. So let me give a shout out to everyone. Have a Merry Christmas! Please don't forget my presents! LOL!

> A bittersweet thought: Last year was the first (and last) time I celebrated someone special's birthday. I loved that experience anyways, so I won't have any regrets right no, though our story has come to a close. I can only wish that she's doing well right now. :)

> September also happens to be the birth month of one of my best friends who had the greatest influence over me during the latter half of my college years. I will be able to greet my good old friend again for the sixth straight year. Long lost friend no more. Her thoughts are still resounding in my ears. I'm grateful I can still apply those in my current situation. Thanks to my Kambal. :)

> It's been almost a year since my closest friend and her family (whom I consider as my second) had migrated to Canada. The last time I saw her was September last year. Though parted by seas, I'm just glad we're still in touch with each other. I can continue sharing my stories and experiences with her. I'm glad that she's always there to listen, especially during my days of trial. I'm missing the entire family as well. How I wish I can take another taste of Tita Nanay's mouth-watering dishes and desserts. Hopefully, I can see the entire family again. In God's time, I know it will happen. :)

Something to hope for:

> I have been waiting for this day to come for more than two weeks. Now it has arrived. It's time to go back to the glory days, to celebrate my restored faith in Him, to sing Him praises and thank Him for everything.

Welcome back to Christian Life Program, Macoy :)

Six years ago, this has been one of the reasons I gained a lot of happy memories to date. I may have failed to complete it, but the lessons I learned and the experience I earned was something I cannot forget. During those days, I enjoyed singing to my heart's content. I became quite a better speaker. I was able to share the bible stories I know of and my own thoughts and reflection on the weekly theme. Only by that time have I really felt that I was able to "preach/share" the Word of God. From what I know, the Word of God must undergo this Four-Way Process: Read, Understand, Apply, and Share. I have read a lot. I understood some. I applied a little. I shared a bit. I think it's about time to change what I used to practice before.

Back on my late elementary and early high school days, I was able to read a lot of bible stories. I lent my copy of "My Book of Bible Stories" to my childhood friends for them to better understand what I have shared with them. I was very comfortable playing the role of a priest when I was in high school. I even thought of entering the seminary due to this interest. However, years passed and I seemed to have lost my urge to do so. Then here comes another checkpoint. I had two options on the course I wanted to take in college: Legal Management or Education Major in Religious Studies. I chose the former, although I kept my high interest in religion. I was able to get high grades in my Religion subjects, thanks to bible stories I have read in my childhood. I think I fared better in religion than my in major subjects (why have I only realized this just now? It might have been some sign for things to come). But after the last religion subject I took, I'm back to my old self. I became preoccupied with the worldly matters: Work, money, hobbies. Bit by bit, I (seem to) have ignored the spiritual aspect of life. I failed to attend the regular Sunday masses. In fact, I was only able to attend them during special occasions. I failed to pray regularly. I stopped communicating with Him. I will only call Him during the days I felt like I'm lost and needed guidance. For these reasons, I slowly realized that I have been missing something huge in my life. Life has been normal without me praying and going to church. What I do not know or pay attention to is that it will be special if I can fulfill my obligation as a Catholic, once more.

So here I am again. I just experienced that great lost. I called to Him once again, and He welcomed me with open arms.

Is it really necessary to lose something or to experience major problems or life-changing situations before we go back to Him? I'm quite ashamed that I have to, without thinking that we can call Him anytime. He is just waiting for our call. If there is someone who will never leave us, that will be God. We will never be alone if we have Him in our lives. He is the Greatest Source of Happiness. The Omnipotent, Ever-present, and Omniscient One. God is always with us. :)

Now that I had a chance to be back to Him, I will happily take this road again. This time, there's no going back. I will sing Him praises once more. I will try to Read, Understand, Apply, and Share the Word of God again. I will ask for the same Gift of the Holy Spirit once again. He brought back the joy in my heart, so it is but right to be a good son to Him.

Let me be an instrument of peace.

Happy to be back in CLP :)