How "Not-So-Good" Things Can Actually Be Good!

We don't have to be keen scientists or behavioral experts to conclude that kids prefer ice cream over water, cake over broccoli, playing over doing chores or homework. We've been kids once! Who likes waking up early? Doing homework? Taking tests? Or medicines? Yuck! (I've met a mother whose young daughter says she likes bitter gourd. But that's more of an exception. I have yet to hear of another kid who would say that!)

So, why didn't we realize that those sugary stuff made us either hyperactive or lethargic, or that they caused our stomach ache and tooth decay? Why didn't we realize then that our parents and teachers were just training us to become diligent and responsible persons?

My youngest son, when he was seven said he wished there was a gadget that you could place over your head and be able to "download" (we didn't know that term then; that was before we got computer literate ) all information into your brain, and be done with school! I remember my brother saying something similar to that when we were kids, too. I wouldn't be surprised if there were more of you who thought of that. As students, it is difficult to understand what you would need algebra or trigonometry in life for (unless you really want to be a mathematician). Or why you would have to take up several terms studying your national language, when you can read, speak and write it well anyway (or so you think).

So, what is it about vegetables or chores or homework or tests or medicines that we don't like? I think it's human nature to equate good things with having a pleasant or sweet taste, or being easy to do. It goes against our grain to like bitter stuff or to want to exert effort. It's just not in our system to like being constrained into doing something.

It will take discipline and strong motivation and an understanding of the benefits of whatever we want to achieve in order to overcome our propensity for liking 'good' stuff. It will take discipline and a strong desire to become a winner for an athlete to appreciate the value of an arduous training. It will take an understanding of what a medicine is for for a sick kid to be able to close his eyes and swallow the bitter concoction (not just an I'm-the-mom-and-I-say-so litany). Even as adults, we have to be convinced enough to know why healthy eating habits and exercise are important to avoid high blood pressure or heart ailment.

(to be continued)

On Friendship

July 4 is the much-celebrated Independence Day for the Americans. July 4 is RP-US Friendship day for the Filipinos. Back when I was in my elementary and high school years, this day was celebrated with some kind of program or special discussion in our Social Studies classes. I also delighted listening to my parents', especially my mother's, stories of life during World War 2, and how the Americans played a special role, not only in our country's history, but in their personal lives. In my mother's seven-year-old mind then, the Americans were heroes, friends in the truest sense of the word. She saw them dirty and wounded, but some time later, clean in their uniforms hugging them kids and giving them chocolates, as they all, Americans and Filipinos, celebrated victory. Almost always, I cry every time I watch documentary films of our American and Filipino soldiers, especially during the Fall of Bataan in Corregidor. All the pain and death they saw around them surely must have fostered some very deep friendships among them.
Last July 4, as I was browsing through our local news on the internet, I was saddened by pictures and news articles of Filipinos here and abroad 'protesting' against RP-US Friendship. More and more, we are seeing generations of Filipinos who don't have grandparents or parents who told them of their sad-joyful stories of that war. Then, I received news that my mom's sister died. That's one less person from that generation that treasures that friendship.
It also saddens me to think that such similar 'protests' can happen on a personal level. I know because that has happened to me, and not just once. I remember having experienced friends 'protesting' against my friendship with another person who they were not in good terms with. It may be true that a person's personality may not be the most pleasing for them - aggressive, straight-forward, no nonsense, no beating-around-the-bush approach. But when you're friends with someone, your personality differences shouldn't be all that matters. It is the chemistry, the bond, the experiences, the transparency and vulnerability with each other that deepens the relationship. Isn't that the essence of friendship?
I have another friend who's not popular with most people. But others like me who have experienced his friendship would say he is the best friend there is. He loves me, he comforts me, he leads me, he prays for me. Most of all, he gave his life for me.. that I might have life, and have life abundantly. His name is Jesus.

Proud to be Pinoy

At a time when there's so much for us, as a nation, to complain about and brood over (what with the price of rice and fuel sky-rocketing, the typhoon crossing over most of our islands and leaving such devastation in its wake, and the sinking of the passenger ship during that typhoon), Manny Pacquiao's victory came as a reprieve. I am not a boxing fanatic, but that match sure got the adrenalin into my system.

Now that my blood system is back to normal, I realize that Pacman's victory is not just something to rejoice over, but something to make us, Filipinos, stop and be reminded that we're proud to be Filipinos..and much can be said about that, maybe in my future blogs. But for one, Filipinos are known to be resilient people, we stand in the midst of crisis, we survive.

But it's not only resilience; I call it God's grace. God has been good to us, as a nation. True, we are beset with problems, but it is God who touches hearts of people from all over to come and give us aid in crisis. It is God who touches hearts of countrymen to give of their money, and time, and even risk their lives when needed. It is God's grace that gives us comfort when we grieve, provision when there's scarcity, love when we most need it.

Surely, the only way to live life is to live it WITH GOD...as an individual, and as a nation. And I'm proud to be Pinoy! :-)