i did not cook that pasta.

"sarap nung pasta no?"

"oo nga, tama lang ang anghang at ang sauce"

"pati yung menudo sarap din"

"sino nag luto nun?"

"si keith"

And suddenly the attention was on me. People started praising me for the great lunch. Some said they are proud of me and congratulated me for a job well done. Surprised and excited with the idea that i can cook, I immediately got bookings for their area shouts as the cook and kitchen steward. I was asked to cook for a birthday and was even asked to cater for a wedding. yes, the latter part is too much, i know, i just made that up. (haha!)

What was my reaction? How did i respond?

Honestly, I was tempted to take all the credit. My pride keeps on telling me to accept all the praises and soak my self to it. It feels good to know that me/my efforts are being recognized, it feels soo good that i wouldn't want them to stop. Applause is too loud and spotlight is too blinding that it covers the reality. 

The truth is... it wasn't me. After knowing that frying and preparing instant noodles isn't actually cooking, I have come to realize and accept the fact that I don't know how to cook. 

"singit lang ako". Nina knows what to do so she chopped the ingredients and somehow prepared everything so that it'll be easy for first timers like me to cook. Because Paskee has done it before, he showed me how to do it. step by step. line by line. He even tasted the food for me. Dessie's encouragement inspired me to do the impossible. Despite my inadequacies, her affirmations pushed me to do more.

You see, if it's not because of three people the sumptuous lunch wouldn't be possible. Plus they kind of reminded me about how the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit works (big grin smile).

Why am i doing this? For three simple reasons.

First. Sure it feels good to receive praises but if you know deep in side you that it wasn't actually you who did it, you will not be at peace with it. Never. You might fool people about it but you can never really fool yourself.  

Second. If people will praise us for the things we've done, even if let's say you are the prime mover, never fail to share it with the people that you work with. For you might be the tastiest and most important ingredient, you still are just an ingredient, nothing less, nothing more, nothing else.

Lastly, let us not forget to praise God and shift the focus on Him. As the moon only reflects the brightness of the sun, our lives, accomplishments and success should be a reflection and should be directed to the source of it all. 

It never was, never is and never will be about us. Let us stop acting like we are the good news, we are just mere messengers. The mailman doesn't get any applause when he delivers good news does he? (I actually don't know how this part is related to cooking but i know it makes sense right? haha!)  

As i write this, I am scheduled to cook adobo for area4 shout. But this time, I am with Gj who also has no idea how to prepare it. With no help, I know this is do or die. But regardless of what the outcome will be, I know I have Gj to blame (haha!). Nah, regardless of what the outcome will be, I know it's not just about me. It's not about me.

may we truly

LIVE our lives praising Him,

LAUGH our hearts out and

LOVE selflessly.