Called to Mission Everyday?

I am in Baguio for my DFA appointment.

Why Baguio you may ask?

Getting a slot in Manila is next to impossible.

Actually, getting a slot ANYWHERE is!

So, though I need to travel a bit, I know it is a blessing.

I was able to set the appointment last January 13 on a Saturday. So, it’s Saturday the 13th! (Not that it has a significance whatsoever, it just sounds cool and creepy at the same time haha!) My point really is that, it’s almost 3 months ago. If you know me, you wouldn’t be surprised if I’ll tell you that completely forgot about it.

It was just last week, on a Good Friday, when I was reminded of it.

Along came the reminders of all other schedules, stuff to do, etcetera, including the dreaded Ablaze board meeting on Thursday.

Monday. Using the heaps of work that need to be done as an excuse, I talked to some friends, hoping to find connections inside DFA who can help me out and transfer the appointment or just cancel it completely. I want to make some sort of an arrangement where I can just bypass the process, not because of the things that I need to do, but simply because I got lazy. I don’t want to queue, let alone travel for at least 10 hours, just for an hour engagement. There should be a special consideration for busy people like me right? An easier route, a more cosy option. After all, I’m a missionary.

Tuesday. One question came from a friend that made me change my mind. “What is more important? An excellent presentation for the Ablaze board meeting, or the opportunity to go on mission anytime?” 

No, my dear brethren, the question was not laid down, for me to choose one over the other. Both are God's blessings, and I don't think He enjoys torturing us with options like this. I believe it was raised as (1) a challenge to stretch my self a little bit more, all for His greater glory, and (2) a reminder that I am a missionary -- retreating to my comfort shouldn’t be an option; I am trained for this!

Then, it hit me!

What the fudge did just happen?

Why do I feel that I am entitled for a special treatment?

And since when did I become so lazy?

Whatever happened to serving as opposed to being served?

Since when did I learn to retreat to my comfort instead of stretching myself even more “for the sake of the call”?

Who am I?

Why do I exist?

What is the meaning of life?
Why on God's grace, am I still single?

Ok, the last four questions are irrelevant to this entry, and the last question is a complete baloney. haha!

So I dropped everything and took a break from the routine and my monotonous rituals. After my overtime, in the wee hours of the morning, I went home, changed to some random shirt, and went straight to the bus terminal as a chance passenger.

When God wants you be somewhere really bad, He will not just send you people to redirect you to where you are supposed to be, He will also send random affirmations when you’re already (or at the very least getting...) there. Here are the top 3 affirmations: (1) I was the last person to board the “executive” bus, as if they’ve waited for me; (2) I'm on a "lazy-boy" seat, as if God is poking fun at me. and (3) as soon as I got inside the bus, the stewardess, out of nowhere said: "Sir, ang ganda po ng shirt ninyo; Called to Mission Everyday." Well, a part of me was smiling (I was like, syempre gawang ablaze.com hehe!), but, to be honest, I was humbled knowing that just hours ago, I was the opposite -- humbled to be reminded of who I really am. 

So, it’s Wednesday and here I am in Baguio, waiting for my appointment while preparing for the Ablaze board meeting’s presentation, TOMORROW. 

I don’t know how this passport renewal application and the board meeting presentation, will turn out… but nah, it doesn’t matter anymore. I already had a great adventure with the Lord.

Far out! Speaking of being forgetful, I forgot my laptop charger! haha!

I’ll end here. I need to stop wasting my battery for this boring blog, and I need to stop wasting your time reading it. 

Time to go back to my presentation.

And, oh, one last thing, please don't forget to remind yourself that you are blessed!