When I think about 2007

SAD Wilderness period. Like the Israelites, I wandered around not knowing when and how I’ll get to the Promised Land. Spiritually speaking, I felt like I was climbing a very wide staircase… just rapidly moving horizontally across a single step, but rarely moving upward. A lot of activity but no real progress. Mostly my fault; I do not handle waiting very well. And I have allowed myself to be distracted from the important things.

Ningas cogon. That’s a Filipino term for not finishing what is started. Literally, it refers to grassfires that blaze up rapidly, then just as quickly burns out.I have made a lot of commitments that I failed to follow through… mainly because I made too many. My attention is easily caught by a new project, or an unfamiliar face, then once the novelty wears off I search for something new. Tsk.

Health. I now realize that I am flesh and blood. This year was a nuisance in terms of health issues… not major ER episodes, but an unending flood of minor aches and pains. My asthma came back after a 2-year hiatus, headaches and body pain are a weekly companion, and my back is a knotted mess. MPS, anyone? And never mind my sleeping schedule; that has always been chaotic anyway.

Family. I have not really prioritized them or spent much time with them. Sadly, I am happier outside our house than in it. High expectations and constant criticism are not my idea of a home. Maybe that is why I am not good at showing appreciation or affirming others. Gotta learn asap. Too late though in one aspect; we are now reaping the consequences of our collective neglect.

Career. Sales. Attendance. Enough said.

HAPPY Treasure. I put it where my heart is. Last December 2006, I committed more than 10% of my gross income to kingdom work. This year has proven the promise in Malachi right; I have been blessed more in giving than in receiving. Israel, Japan, Thailand and Korea are no longer names on the map for me, but are places where I’ve partnered in missions. The campus ministry initiatives of IVCF and SVCF have been an encouragement and I’m always refreshed when I spend time with the students. And Cosmopolitan Church has been my “refuge and strength” for seven years and counting.

Graduate School. Finally! After 2 years of post-graduation confusion, I got the go signal to take up my Masters. I am now in my 2^nd semester of MA major in Language Education. I now realize that I find joy in learning new things, being with people, in knowledge, discussions and reading a lot. My classmates and professors are really inspiring. 2007 I when I took the first steps to my calling as a tentmaker.

Personal Finance. Needless to say, my job now is the best I ever had salary-wise. But all that moolah would have been gone in a flash if my financial education hasn’t started this year. It all started with a session on Personal Financial Management last May in the IVPM Graduates Conference. Inspired by my new mentor’s example, I started it simple: made a budget, tracked my expenses and saved money. Then two wonderful things happened: I discovered this website: www.thesimpledollar.com and I was invited to join an investment club. My goal right now is financial freedom: I want to be free from the 15/30, 8-5 box, and to be able to follow my heart without having to worry about my stomach.

Friends. I reconnected with some of my college org friends and spent more bonding time with my choirmates. I was a bit aloof before, but circumstances such as months-long preparations for 4 Christmas concerts tend to make choir mates closer. I also met a lot of new friends through IVPM and established a new accountability triad. And honestly, my officemates are one of my (if not THE) top reasons for going to work everyday.

Little Things. And a lot sprinkles made 2007 a joy. Chocolate caramel cake with vanilla ice cream. A silver icthyus pendant. Singles club. Moving into a new place. Starbucks. Meebo. Fazoli’s. Multiply. Coffee-maker. Dennis’ book library. Tagaytay. Conti’s. Let the People Rejoice Cantata. Caramel macchiato. Sales goalie. Hawaiian ginger. Jamming with them. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Regularization. Night class schedules. Something Fishy. Silver Wedding Anniversary. Sweet Inspiration. Lipa. Into the Woods. Welcome to Our World Cantata. And so another year nears an end.