To Love is to forgive

As an underwriter of a non-life insurance company, entails a very big responsibility in terms of profitability of the company. I have a very huge acceptance authority, P75 million to be exact on a single risk. Just imagine if I will accept a couple of risks per day, our company is exposed to P150 million on my acceptance alone, everyday. So I make it a point to be very careful in handling accounts that are given to me by our Sales Division. My job forced me to be prudent. 

Then came one new account that requires my approval. As I checked our system, I found out that we already have an existing exposure with the same name, location or I shall say same account. In short, there was a misunderstanding between me and one of our Sales Assistants. The issue was elevated to our top bosses. I was so mad because I was the one who was heavily pressed on the situation when in fact, it was not my fault at all. 

I prayed very hard to ease the pain and to have a forgiving heart. It really affects  me which came to a point that I did not talk to the person involved because I was afraid I might say something bad which I will regret later on. Whola! God answered my prayer! Maybe she was touched by the Lord and felt that I was too cold to her and came to realize that she was the one at fault. Suprisingly, she approched me and asked for forgiveness. And who am I not to forgive? Jesus even told us to forgive one another. 

Proof to that is this saying from:

Matthew 18:15, 21-22

15 “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of  you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Forgiveness as they say is not something we do for others. We do it for ourselves - to get well and move forward. And this is also one way of showing our love for others. Peace and love be with us all!    


                                                     

                                               

 

What makes you really HAPPY?

This question came to my mind yesterday.

Why? As I shared an elevator with my officemate, she asked me if I have a charger for an iPhone. I answered: Nyaha! I don't have one. And to be honest, my phone is a Nokia N73 which was handed down to me by my hubby five years ago. Poor me? Oh no! I beg to disagree. It's not because I'm bitter or I can't afford it (well maybe hehe) but it's my choice! I don't need those techy things. What matter is that I have one that is still usuable for communication. E bakit ba, nakaka-call at text pa naman ah! Sayang naman! And it doesn't make me any less of a person, does it? 

Being happy for me is not measured by what material things you possessed. Although, I am so grateful for all the material things God has been showering us. What makes me happy are these : a warm embrace when you feel cold, a massage when you feel tired, a kiss when you need it the most, and sweet nothings like "I love you, mommy" and "I love you,Tarty".  And when you reached home, your husband and your children already prepared food on the table and ready to eat? Little things but means a lot.

Rather than focus on those material things, I'd rather focus on relationships with my loved ones and value their love and friendship. I am so glad for having a loving and supportive people around me. As much as I could, I accept them for who and what they are. The journey to nourishing good relationship takes a lot of effort, everyday. It is a never ending process. That's why we really make it a point to have a quality time with our children. And of course quality time with each other, not only as husband and wife, but as bestfriends, best buddies! We enjoyed the times when we eat out. As in food trip! Anywhere, anytime! Nothing beats that, ever!

Being happy does't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections.

So what makes you really happy? Think and feel it. It's your choice!

Father's Day, happy day

On the night before Father's day, I've been thinking what to do on that special day. Initial plan was to treat him on either lunch or dinner. I called our kids for help and plan for that special day for their dad.

Our son Darren suggested to cook his favorite food and let him rest for the whole day. Then our daughter Daphne asked: how about the gift? What gift are we going to give to daddy? Hmmm? Think, think, think! Aha, a dart board! But wait, how are we going to buy it? It's almost 11:00 pm! Gosh! It's so short a time! Fortunately, an idea came to mind. Darren will buy it first thing in the morning.

On the day itself, we greeted him. Then I told him to eat breakfast. While eating, he told me that after breakfast we will hear mass together since Darren and Daphne already attended it yesterday. Suddenly, he looked for Darren since we were incomplete. But Darren was already on his way to the mall to buy our gift. Without his knowledge, we (mind you, including my mother and sister in-laws hehe) already fabricated a story that Darren will be in our store to help our saleslady. Hay hirap mag-alibi hehe  (It's hard to make an alibi). But he also said that after the mass, we will also go to the store to help and supervise. Oh no!!! mabubuking!! (We will get caught!) I just said, "No, we will cook our lunch first." He said, "Ok then".

After the mass, he told me to text and ask Darren where he is. I obeyed. I texted Darren but Darren was also texting me to call him. Oh no!!! A big, big problem. How will I call Darren if he is beside me? What the...ang hirap hehe. (It was so hard). Fortunately, Darren already knows how to decide. So I guessed he already decided what to buy. 

As they say, everything comes with a reason. And I believe that what is meant to be will come its way. Darren came home first. He greeted his dad a "Happy Father's Day". He answered: "Thank you. San ang gift ko?" (Where's my gift?). Darren : Mommy o, gift daw? So I signalled him to give it. While giving the gift, Darren was singing "Happy father's day daddy, happy father's day daddy". I saw him teary-eyed! I also wanted to cry :-(  I felt that he was so happy. Hay success!!!

But wait, there's more!

We treated him to a dinner...simple yet memorable!

Daphne, Syke and Darren

                                 Daphne, Syke and Me                                     



Happy Father's Day Tarty! We love you so much. Thank you for your unselfish and unconditional love! Thank you for taking care of our children. Thank you for making them feel complete. Kahit nakakabingi kayong nagkakantahan sa kotse! Kahit nag-nonose bleed at nag-iinternal bleeding ako sa inyo pag nag-uusap kayo! Kahit pare-pareho kayong maaarte! Kahit pare-pareho kayong makukulit , hinding-hindi ko kayo ipagpapalit!