Taking Another Leap

It is ironic that just less than a month ago, I was full of hope and brimming with expectations. A lot of opportunities are coming my way which I had the luxury to turn down. I was so confident that I can have a job after I finished my contract. Ever since I decided to resign from the teaching post I held for three years, I spent a lot of times wondering what will the next thing for me. I turned down a job offer in China so I can finish the school year in my current school. I was so sure another job will be offered to me soon. But then, it did not come as I expected. In less than a week from now, I will be jobless.

Countless times I have pondered to retract my resignation. I am so afraid to go out of the portals of the "known" world. I am in fear of not knowing what will be my next step. I want to have some sense of direction. But as much as I fear the unknown, I also fear of staying in my comfort zone. I don't like to stay knowing that my heart is longing to go to another place, to do another thing. It terrifies me to venture into the limbo but I know it will kill me to stay grounded at the same spot just because of fear.

PHOTO CREDIT: http://playfulemily.blogspot.com/

In a matter of days, I won't be able to walk the halls of the school where I started my teaching career. In a matter of days, I will not be able to talk to the friends I have gained. In a matter of days, I will be waiting until I am given the chance again to teach- in another place. All the assurance I can get is that, my God brings his children from glory to glory. I am one of his children. He will surely bring me from glory to glory. But I have to take that leap of faith- that leap of leaving my comfort zone towards a higher and fertile ground.

World's End

Earthquake in NZ, tsunami in Japan, nuclear threats, floods in Leyte and endless war in the Middle East. Just watching the horrifying videos and photos of these disasters makes one think that perhaps it is the world's end. Armageddon is not only a Biblical prophecy. Even Science has long -ago predicted that indeed our planet has an ending.

photo credit:http://www.newsanddesignphotography.com/search/tsunami-jepang

I'm blessed not to be involved with any of these disasters but not being a victim does not make me feel any better. I guess, even for those like me, you don't feel any good too. I wonder how much worse do the victims feel. The main thing is that- all of the people of the world share the same feelings of loss and tragedy. And, I believe, is the good side of it all .

Because of these calamities, we are reminded of our humanity and mortality. Because we cannot do anything with nature, we are reminded that we are just humans- frail, minute and still fighting to survive after 2 millennia. But at the same time, because we are humans, we can do something to extend help, to make things better, to learn from the experience.

A Lesson from Fireworks- Part 1

The holiday season that is just about to end has been peppered with fireworks display. The Christmas season and New Year's celebration seem to be more perfect with fireworks. But personally, I'm not willing to spend on fireworks. On the practical side of it, they are just momentary burst of beauty with no substantial use.

Photo Credit: http://www.hklightbox.com/pic/lunar-new-year-fireworks-display/cny-fireworks-080208-201402.jpg.htm

However, as I was watching the displays during the New Year's eve, it struck me how people stop and look-in awe of such explosive beauty; how people -good or bad- stand in amazement of the grandeur before them without thinking of the cost; how people are filled with sheer joy by just staring at it. And so I realize that people should be have a "firework" moment at least once in their lifetime. A moment in which they will shine at their brightest and make others stand in amazement. In that explosive moment, others are inspired and filled with expectation to see another display.