Full Circle

Yesterday’s birthday was different. For one, none of my plan materialized. Initially, we are supposedly having a double birthday celebration with my family in Tagaytay. But, but… circumstances dictate otherwise. Instead, I had a simple lunch out with my family, witnessed a nice wedding in the afternoon, and a coffee celebration in the evening with SCOM friends.

The day was indeed tricky. Naisip ko nga kung ano yung gustong ipahiwatig ni God sa akin. All in one day, God allowed my pasts to meet me, as if testing my heart. Quite proudly, I know I passed the test.

At 26, I am never too old to say I’ve learned all the lessons God has in stored for me. However, I am thankful to have learned a handful already. On December 11, 2010, I have come full circle. Wise enough to know that my past is a nice chapter in my life, the one that made me a better person now. My present is a rare state where I am exactly where I’m supposed to be -- blessed to have the opportunity to be used for God’s purpose in the community, a stronger family to back me up, a special person who loves me despite and in spite of the craziness of loving someone like me, treasured friends, and a promising career. So today, I’m saying hello to the future, as I thread towards another beautiful quarter of my life. I have yet to finalize the game plan, but, I am soo ready. Bring it on!!!

So,here are the lessons learned at 25.

1. Still, do not underestimate GOD. He knows how to surprise me BIG TIME! I love you so much God!
2. My family, no matter how weird they are, is the most lovable people on earth. Home is where the heart is indeed. No matter how long I stay away from it, there is a longing to be inside the simple, most of the time chaotic home of the Camingawans. I am blessed to have them
3. I have always something personal to share to people. Whether it’s a simple joke, a funny story, a warm smile, a hug, resources, talents, or faith, I have something worth it to share.
4. People are appreciative. You may not hear it outright from them, but they are. When you share a portion of you to people, both of you are never the same.
5. It’s a struggle to keep a relationship together. But, in this crazy world, where break ups are common and divorce is now the culture, one is blessed to make it to even two years.
6. It’s possible to form genuine friendship with exes. Yes, I am super friends with my 3 exes, knowing that because of them, I am the best partner now for my significant other.
7. I can never please everybody, and I won’t change for them. I love myself, I love the person that I have become, and maybe there are still rough edges that need polishing, but hey, I’m getting there.
8. True friends are those who can tell you REALITY without bringing you down.
9. It pays to save for the future, and it is never too late for me to start now.
10. Health is wealth. I was back at the hospital this year, but hopefully not again in the coming years. I want to live long to see and play with my grandchildren.
11. What they say about me is not even close to who I really am.
12. I have the capacity to make my dreams come true. Yeah… I have started living my dreams!!! Thank you Lord. The path to expanding my territory has begun.
13. Lastly, no matter how long my to do list is, it will always be GOD who has the last say. Being stubborn wont even get me to places, so I humbly learned to surrender, and when I learned that, its liberating!!!

I haven’t really had the time to think about my birthday wish. Like what my friends from SCOM said, I really had most of what I need, what more can a girl ask for? J You rock Papa God, You are the reason why, despite the not so perfect birthday, this celebrant is grateful.