It was kinda late and my colleagues and I were still in the office, finishing up work (as usual). And since we have not eaten out for the longest time (plus our tummies were on the brink of a revolution) we decided to have dinner out. I asked if we can pass by an ATM first so I can get money to finance our impromptu thing (and my wallet’s as empty as my stomach). But no ATM was in sight nearby, so one of them paid for my food for the meantime (Lord bless her a thousand fold!). All was well, and the food was yummy.
I hitched a ride with another colleague who lives in Katipunan (I was planning to take a jeep to Cubao from Katipunan instead, coz I didn’t want to endure the long bus ride along EDSA). Still looking for an ATM machine, we decided to withdraw at the one beside Shoppersville.
I almost fainted when the machine ejected my card but no cash came out. When I checked my balance (before withdrawing from the ATM, always check your balance first) I only have P4.56 in my account!
Blessings in disguise
With that amount, and only twelve pesos in my coin purse, I almost considered walking home. But my angel, disguised as my co-worker, lent me money (Lord bless her a thousand fold!).
This incident brought to mind the sparrows and the wild flowers (Matthew 6: 31-32). They don’t worry where they’ll get their survival necessities for the Lord provides for them. If they are taken care of every day, what more am I, an adopted child of the King?
Of course, lessons are to be had from this. For one, I should start managing my finances (seriously).
Second, is that the Lord takes care of us. Always. Just when we are in the brink of falling off that edge of despair and hopelessness, He scoops us up just in time. During times when we think He is not around, He is behind us, ready to enter the picture at our first cry for help. And he does this through a variety of ways.
In my case, it was through co-workers, whose generosity made me see the night and days through (at least before the 15th). It made me see that every circumstance is a “blessing opportunity”, where one stands the chance to receive blessings, if only they attune themselves to receiving it. I remember a pastor teaching on perception; the only thing the devil can’t take away from us during adverse moments is how we perceive such moment. In simpler terms, it pays to be optimistic.
Give ‘til it hurts
My friends’ generosity has also brought into mind the same act by the Good Samaritan, in which he extended generosity to someone whom he don’t even know. It entailed sacrifice on the Samaritan’s part, much as it entailed some sacrifice on my friends’ when they helped me out. It has to “hurt” at some point. But they love me that’s why they did it (and they’re reading this entry right now. Hehehe!)
It is said that we are blessed so that we may be able to share these blessings to others. It is nice to receive, but it is better to give, knowing that the your ‘loss’ is another one’s ‘gain’.
We are all called to extend this act of generosity to everyone. And generosity does not translate to financial or material things only. You may give your time (listening to a friend, accompanying them somewhere, etc) or talent (helping with a project, entertaining a lonely friend, etc). The possibilities are endless (as long as it’s for the other person’s betterment).
So now, I praise and thank the Lord, for my friends, for their generosity and friendship *insert “Maalaala Mo Kaya” theme here*
As for me, I better budget (take note not “budget better”) my money.
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