Yesternight was one of the best night I had... I completely overuse this phrase a lot this year, which only proves that everything is awesome in my world! ^__^ (just in my opinion okay?)
Well, why can't it be? I have a very interesting life (If I may say so...in fact, very extraordinary, and it only happens to extraordinary people - quoted from C.S. Lewis) I knew since I was a child that I have to achieve something great than the average people. Why can't I think that way?... my life was a constant reminder that I am different from the usual routines. I must admit, I sometimes feel ostracized and alone because I am different that I sometimes want to belong... but being so comfortable in a small world is dangerous, especially when you have something great to offer that is vital to the world.
Some people's mindset is small, thus they move in their small world, refraining from asking a lot from their lives, the universe, thus, limiting themselves from their capacity. It's not a sin to be that simple, it's just a little sad that a lot of people could not realize their dream because they chose to let it go for it required a huge amount of efforts and sacrifices. Thus they end up being mediocre...and soon, they will get frustrated and when it builds up in them, they will hate themselves and result to being violent, and even hurting other people in the process.
But we must remember what Monsignor Escriva said in his book THE WAY, and I quote: "Why fly like a barnyard hen when you can soar like an eagle?" This is a favorite of mine. It's a constant reminder how we should stop limiting ourselves within the walls of our comfort zones.
Yesternight, I had an opportunity to attend the retreat at Don Bosco, conducted by one of the greatest Salesian priests in the Philippines today., Fr. Armand Robleza. He told us a story, about Swayne.
Swayne was born in a family of ducks. He acted like a duck, made noises like a duck, ate like a duck, went accompanying the other ducks...in short he acted like a duck through and through.
But he has a problem. He was always taunted by his family because he looked different. He was white, has elongated neck and legs, and had powerful wings which he timidly did not dare spread because he was shy. Since he was different from the rest, he felt he was a no good.
One day, an amazing thing happened. While Swayne and the other ducks went paddling in the lake as they used to everyday, a hunter spotted them. He began to shoot at them! And amidst all the ruckus, ducks swimming away in different directions, quacking here and quacking there.... Swayne spread his wings and swiftly flew away to the sky!
The other ducks were mesmerized. They were all shocked and saw that Swayne was actually beautiful! He is not the ugly duck now, for they realized his individual beauty by being himself.
Meanwhile, Swayne had an epiphany too. As he glided, he saw his reflection in the water. He was pleasantly surprised upon seeing his reflection.
"Wow, I am beautiful!" he said, "My neck is long, but it fits well with my long legs and big wings! I am not a duck! Why did I spend my life thinking I am a duck when all along I am a beautiful swan?"
Moral of the story...not that ducks are cursed animals.. (laughs) but stop limiting yourself! Expand your horizons! At times, God sends turmoil and disrupts our peaceful world, our comfort zone, to budge us to fly...because we are meant to be great! Each one of us is great.
Be at peace, for God will take us by the hand! Believe the God who made you, He knows every cells of your body... He knows the talents He gave you, so that when He push you to do something, you know you can, because He said so!!!
God's children will never fear the future... may it be unknown, for they know that God is with them, standing by their side.
Thus, the retreat yesternight ended... with all of my anxieties vanishing into thin air. God answered ALL my questions and eased away my uncertainties in life. And by the way, I got a call, a job interview while I was attending the retreat... just a confirmation that God's blessing is limitless! :D
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