Fresh from the
Philippines I was torn what topic to write. Should I write about the
mess the old homeland finds into, or should I compose an essay about
the stirring debate whether to engage in war or not, after all the
airwaves and news reports are peppered with items about external threats
and economic showdown?
If I chose the former, I asked myself what would be the slant of my
column? Should I graphically describe the grim spectre the birth land
is painfully undergoing? Or shall I write in upbeat manner rallying
one and all that behind the dark cloud is a silver lining?
The previous issue, my wife, Judy Grace, "filled up" this
space with her testimony of faith-minutely detailing how she was sustained
supernaturally in her quest for a federal job. Patiently waiting for
fifteen years, eventually her earnest supplication came to pass. Presto,
her bubbling firsthand account is overflowing like a rushing river
that neither a dam nor any force on earth could stop her from sharing
the joy of an answered prayer.
Admittedly, I always defer to my wife when it comes to decision making.
Curiously, wives, I observe have this uncanny ability to "see"
things that we husbands, macho as we are, cannot see. Men generally
are cerebral in their thinking process. But women seem to be endued
with inexplicable sense that they could see things beyond the physical.
What I thought is routine, to her it is benchmarking. What I construe
to be ordinary, to her it is something to be treasured about. What
I considered hackneyed, to my wife it is something else-she calls
it tradition.
Speaking of tradition, a number of us grew up in a family atmosphere
where households are adorned with lanterns and Christmas trees are
hanging with gifts during this season of the year. Somehow, since
we migrated in December 1987 it seems that the Christmas tradition
is under threat of being removed from the vocabulary for fear that
its observance would offend others owing to culture differences and
belief system, not to mention political correctness.
Admittedly, I am at a loss to understand why anyone would be offended
of the word Christmas and its attendant seasonal activities? Christmas
to my family and to a number of my friends is a time of peace, love,
forgiveness, and reconciliation. Christmas is a worldwide celebration
of humankind regardless of gender, age, station in life, beliefs,
geography and any other differences we might seem to have.
Foremost, whether we are Moslem, a Jew, a Christian, a Hindu, or a
cultist there are great similarities we all share. We all breath air,
we all experience pain and joy, we laugh sometimes and cry at other
times. We both undergo grief when we lost a love one, but we feel
delight when someone celebrates a birth anniversary.
We may chose to enjoy the marvel of nature or not, but we could look
at the night sky and see the splendour of aurora lights. We may chose
not be amazed of the changing seasons, but we cannot completely ignore
the reality that we are but a speck in the whole expanse of the universe.
If we chose to, we can all share our respective family traditions
with others? Sing carol in nursing homes; decorate our houses with
dancing lights, share material gifts to the less fortunate, or simply
give out love.
Kabayan, my family and I wish you love that does not condemn or put
down, but simply accept you the way you are. Love that is kind, generous,
patient, understanding and timeless.
To my readers, thank you for your support, your kindness, and the
interaction. More importantly, thank you for the privilege of sharing
with you my thoughts affecting our lives.
Maligayang Bati po para sa lahat!
-o0o-
