Nothing beats how God gets you to learn important lessons in life. In my case, a beautiful weekend spent in a simple venue amidst loving people was the plan. February 18-20, 2011 made me feel alive once again.
The International Conference is one event that all members of Singles for Christ look forward to. So when I was asked if I could be part of the production team for the 18th SFC Icon, I said yes without a blink of an eye. What a rare opportunity! Yes Lord, thank You! The thought made me really excited for months.
The excitement however waned a little bit, as I found myself still a bit idle weeks before the conference. As head of events in SFC Laguna, I was used to becoming a busy Martha, staying on top of every event. This time though, I am, as I would kiddingly tell my close friends, "aliping sagigilid," just waiting for whatever they could delegate me. It made me anxious.
Little did I know, God wanted me to relax for pre-Icon preps, because, my hands will be full for 3 days. That lesson came, as I walk alone in the city of Naga, Thursday morning, trying to find some place to sleep. The hour walk (with heavy baggage) kicked off the Icon for me and made me say, "This is it!"
There are lots of issues I needed to face during that moment of service. I had to conquer my insecurity and go beyond my comfort zone. Laguna has been such a comfortable place and the people a security blanket. As I literally went outside of my province, I needed to once again, to blend in. It was the first time that I really felt alone. But in that moment of feeling alone, God gave me new friends. All I needed to do is open my heart.
I learned to be more selfless. In saying yes to that call I know that I will sacrifice being with my fellow Laguenas. I will give up the bonding moment my sister and I usually do in Icon. I will have little time for myself to go and experience the Naga and Pili, Camarines Sur. I won't be able to have the luxury to search for good pasalubong or taste the delicacy of Cam Sur. In saying yes to that service I risk not getting the message of the conference.
I was wrong with that last statement. Surprise,surprise!
I got His crystal clear message during those 3-busy days, yes, behind the backstage:
Before anyone else, I should be getting His approval and not the approval of my directors, the production team, my province, or even myself. Always work, move, breath for God.
Things don't go as expected but by God's grace, you can always find another way out of it.
Even in the busiest situation, the Holy Spirit can and should always be there -- that differentiates us from people who haven't embraced the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
There's always a nice way to say things. Deliver your words well.
Respect is better than fear.
God wants me to have fun also while doing His work.
Pray,pray,pray.
"Thanks Tets, I know you are sacrificing a lot for this," said our director on the second day of the conference. All throughout the conference, I saw production numbers, listened to talks, view videos, all from the back of the stage, but yes, it was definitely worth it. So let me give back the honor to our magnificent God. Thank you Lord, for using me for Your glory. I love You! I hope I made You smile.
The greatest symbol of love is not the heart but the cross... because the heart stops beating but the man on the cross will never stop loving." Fr. Jojo, 18th SFC Icon
