WHY does God put to test someone who exudes goodness?
This question always creeps in my mind when I am conversing with a friend, who finds the essence of existence despite life’s intricacies.
This is his story.
He left behind a stable job, as one of the editors of a national tabloid based ni Manila, Philippines to work with the then vice-governor of Albay. It was an abrupt decision that even us, his co-editors, had never thought he would do.
His short stint as a government employee had exposed him to a stark reality of poverty. He wanted to back out and returned to where he’s used to be but there’s no way. His adjustment was devastating but he had to accept the consequence of his blatant move, anchoring on a consolation that he’s back to a place where he used to be his playground.
He never thought his decision would change his entire disposition and vision in life. It taught him what life is all about. He finally enjoyed his stay but fate has continued to put him to test. His superior lost in the past election. Unemployed he has tried to do modest way to eke out a livin,. but he has a share of the taste of failure.
He has suffered from life’s uncertainty that renders him sleepless at night. When tired and exposed to sweltering heat of the sun, he could hardly see at night. He would question God’s mercy and grace but subsequently would repent and make regret of what he has called a silent degree of blasphemy.
Nowhere to run, he has mustered enough courage to hurdle all the misfortunes that beset him. He wants to survive and finally has found peace and joy in his present state. He believes there is a bigger light behind the big shadow.
He knows, God is only trying to compliment his capacity to endure. God is challenging him to hurdle the obstacles in life to attain the inner happiness.
And he is right.
The pictures of poverty have touched his heart and awaken his innate kindness. He finds out that there is treasure in misery. It has opened his eyes into the plight of others, especially the neglected children who need to be taught on value formation and communication skill.
Children have given him the idea to share his God given wit and talent. He has found solace in teaching the children on how to deliver speech, compose a poem, write an essay and other form of literary composition.
He enjoys imparting to children what he has acquired through readings and personal views of life’s real and perpetual bout.
He never asks for a pay, instead he would partake to children even a piece of a native cake, offers them coffee and juice drinks.
But when alone, the uncertainty strikes on him. He’s afraid not for himself. He’s insecure not for his own existence but for those who might seek his help. He can’t turn his back at the ogle of a child asking for his assistance. Knowledge and wisdom are all he can offer to them.
He clings on his faith to God. He may be tough but deep inside his heart is fragile. How he wishes to continue his purpose, vision and commitment to them and to God.
God has His own way. He’s just watching. He knows the truth but waits.
I salute him for his genuine way of demonstrating his concern for the children but also I am afraid, for him. I hope he continuously executes his purpose though he has his own predicament and worries.
He loves, too, the oldies. He wishes he could give an hand to grandparents who are abandoned by their children, and being neglected. The children and the olds have soft spots in his heart.
I am just a simple mother and worker who is trying to make both ends meet. I wish I could help him. I want to share with him the passion of doing good for other’s welfare.
This is my own way of telling the world that I have found a gem. He’s a treasure that I have found. I always have loved to write his story. I know the world is behind him.
…And this is his story.
