A thirteen-year-old card

I received a friend request lately. The name is so familiar but I can't figure out who she is. I'm just glad there was a message: "Are you the Dorina May Beltran that I used to sponsor when I was 13 years old?" Wow! That was 13 years ago when I studied in a Christian school and all the students were sponsored from abroad to cover our imported school materials. She still remembered me! It reminded me as well of her photo that I still kept until now.

Later, we were able to chat via FB. Isn't it amazing!Then she started to talk about a bookmark that I made and sent to her. I knew that I sent letters, cards and photos but I can't remember specific things that I sent. She described it to me but I coudn't really remember. I coudn't even remembered if I could draw something. She's so clever of taking a photo of it and post it on FB.

13 years ago? A 13 year old card is still there! I was so touched that she still kept it and most of all she said that she always go back to it to read its message. If you look at the card, it's just a childish work of art but it matters when someone treasured it. I'm so proud of her. I can't explain the joy when someone value something that you gave even it's a tiny tiny thing. I've been keeping small gifts, hopefully, one day, I would make the gift givers proud of me of how I value their gifts.

Thanks, Jessica Amy! You're worth mentioning.

Most of all, it's a reflection also of the gifts that God has given to us. Sometimes we just forget to give value to them especially when they are just small. It's a good reminder also to treasure every gift we receive from the Lord. One day, He will smile and be proud to say that we are good stewards of all His gifts.

A Friend Who Left Forever

I was there in their first glimpse of each other. I was one of the first few people who knew when they started their relationship. I witnessed how they love each. I shared with their joys and prayed with them in their trials. They made me a part of their lives. I was there when they exchanged vows for each other, at that time,it seems it's forever. I was even overjoyed to hold and cuddle their little baby.

On the other hand, they were a brother (Kuya) and a sister (Ate) to me when I was at the university. I can just call them any time and they were there for me. She was a roommate and in many ways a mentor. He was an adviser and just came up with something to make me smile when I was sad. They made my birthdays special away from home. Most of all, they were one of the those who encouraged me to pursue my calling especially the time when my church didn't have a pastor and the church didn't have much understanding of my calling. I vividly remembered when they sent me off to the pier when I went for my missionary training.

We separated ways with fond memories and pursued each of our calling. We have lost touch for a while.

Just this week, a news broke my heart. He is gone by taking his own life leaving her behind with a child. I was so shocked and in grief. So many questions but few are answered. It seems that no one wanted to speak about it.

I wanted to be there to see his face for the last time and be there for her in this sorrowful moment. I'm not sure if God will permit.

It has been always hard for me to leave friends or when friends left for a while for various reasons but now it's even harder, a friend and a brother in the Lord left forever.

Things may be unclear this time, I am just living with the assurance that everything happened with a purpose and in His time things will be revealed clearly.

I just pray for comfort not only for me but also for her and the rest of the family and for friends who are also in grief with this shocking and sudden incident.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28