Sunday, January 06, 2008 Lessons learned in 2007 By Marnellie C. Millanes Homelife
THE biggest thing that happened to me in 2007 was the day I picked up my pen and started writing again. I felt like I found a piece of me that has been scattered somewhere for almost a year. It was a relief and a solitude that only this craft could give.
I was actually hesitant to write and even scared to hear negative comments or feedback from readers. Then it came in May; on a Mother's day at that. I couldn't remember everything said but one thing was on my mind while I was reading the email: "This is just a test. And I must pass this."
Thank God, I did. With the help of my ever patient and supportive mentor I was able to look at the comment with a better perspective. I have learned that in order to overcome fear, you have to face it until you get used to it. It also taught me to look at the hidden message where wisdom usually lies. Since that day, my world has never been the same again. It catapulted me to read more and write more.
Reading. That's another great leap that happened. My mentor taught me how to read books and showed me the entertainment that every page gives to the reader. I was fascinated and thrilled. I came to a point of no return. Writing is for me and I am for it. There is definitely no turning back. With that, I opted to read one book per week or every two weeks and it gives me a sense of fulfillment. Not to mention that I have actually taught my son to read too because that's what he saw in me. Wow, this is life.
It was also in 2007 when my most challenging journey as a mother and a wife happened. Since my son turned one in the middle of the year, he has been very active and wanted to explore anything new to his sight. I was caught off guard. There were times I got irritated but most of the time, I enjoyed seeing every milestone he made. From the first steps, first words, and all the other "firsts" in his life, I was there. What a blessing to be a mother.
And my life as a wife? It was a tremendous year too. I have met FlyLady, Cindy Schaap and have known Donna Otto better. These amazing women taught me the value of staying at home and keeping it in order and being the wife that God wants me to be. I learned that keeping my sink clean is the first step in cleaning the house. After that, the rest will follow. I tried it and it was effective. If you want to learn more about home management, please email me and I would be glad to share it with you.
Another thing I learned last year was the value of contentment. There were times when I wish that I could have worked and earned extra income to augment our financial needs. Sometimes I felt so hopeless and desperate about it. But one person showed me that I am actually so blessed and need not complain. He was the man who earns a living out of recyclable materials. He gets his plastic recyclables from us and all throughout our daily encounters, I haven't seen him frown. He always smiles even if he is the bread winner of a family of 4, with a live-in partner who is always in and out of the Mental Hospital. In one of our chats, I asked:
"Ngano wala man nimo na sya gibilin sa mental hospital nong, para matamabalan og maayo na sya didto?"
He said, "Wala may mobantay sa iya gud. Kailangan man daw naay watcher. Kung ako syang bantayan, wala na pud magbantay sa among duha ka anak og wala na po'y manginabuhi."
Their youngest is Angel, a three-year old girl who has spent most of her childhood years inside their 'kariton'. Their eldest is his nine-year-old stepson, whose father left his mom a long time ago. This boy has been out of school and has followed the footsteps of his stepfather.
I wonder what keeps Manong going.
I guess its love, family and responsibility. He is an epitome of a father who has been committed to meet his family's needs and that he will always stay by their side no matter what happens. He is a living proof that whatever status you have in life, you can always chose to be happy and to be contented.
Indeed, God's grace is sufficient enough to sustain us, just like how he did to Manong and his family. These and more, I saw in 2007.
I am now looking forward to what is in-store in 2008. I just hope that this year won't mean more rats around the house though. Hehehehe.. Have a blessed 2008!
