(Photo caption: A photo of me taken at Haoyue Park, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen, China on November 7, 2007)Last night (November 10, 2007) I arrived in the Philippines from my trip in Xiamen, China. I had a great time in Xiamen (even though my mobility was hampered by my aching foot -- from too much walking).
Today (November 11, 2007) I am celebrating another milestone in my life. It is my 47th birthday.
I thank God.
And I thank God for the following:
my dearest beloved -- even though she is thousands of miles away from me today, physical distance will not be a hindrance to our relationship because we are deeply connected.
- my family and relatives -- I am very thankful for their love and support
- my friends, batchmates, former classmates, colleagues, co-workers, and superiors
- my mentors and former teachers
- my mentees, students, and former students
- my communities (religious, professional, NGOs)
- the people that I have met in different parts of the world
- the countless blessings that I have received
I also thank God for all the people who have contributed to my growth in all aspects -- mentally, emotionally, physically, culturally, and spiritually.
In our brief existence in this world, I believe that we should endeavor to make it better.
Today's Gospel Reading (Luke 20: 27-38) is about the Resurrection. I believe that the Resurrection is about Hope for Humanity. There are many evils and sufferings that we endure everyday, but there will always be Hope for all of us.
For my birthday blog entry I would like to quote one of my favorite literary pieces: Desiderata.
"DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life
keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery,
and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
"
Cheers,
Raffy
The Pisay '77 Blogger
11/11/07
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