What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?
Let go of people’s expectations so you can have harmony inside and out.
They say a little competition doesn’t hurt anyone; it’ll be fun, it’ll push people up.
They’re right – to some extent.
If you feel this endless desire to cast shade on someone else to lift yourself up, then you’re in trouble.
The best competition we win is not against someone else. We win best when we first win against the competition in our mind.
No wonder the Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
What’s competing for your attention? Your life won’t change unless you change your thoughts first.
This, however, doesn’t apply to the identity that God gave you when He created you in your mother’s (whether biological or surrogate) womb.
No amount of therapy can change what God has designed for you when He first made you. Perhaps, in the midst of everything you’ve tried out there, His design is what you’ve been yearning for. Make a U-turn. He’s waiting.
I remember it like it was only yesterday: our first-ever quick getaway – on our own – as a family of 3.
It took me several days to prepare our luggage for a 3D2N stay. When you have a toddler, it’s “better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it,” as my sister would say.
I found the property on GoogleMaps and made reservations thru their FB/Messenger. I booked 1 cabina (w/ free breakfast for 2) for Wed-Fri and availed of their discounted off-peak rates.
Wednesday: Helpful people
Kuya Allan, our favorite iDol Taxi driver, picked us up from our sunshine home and dropped us off at the resort.
Safe ride from Batangas City to any point in Region 4A/Calabarzon.Kuya Allan, our favorite iDol taxi driver.Our home for 3D2N.
We were late for check-in but it was hassle-free. Shortly after paying for our accommodation, we were ushered in to the Bonifacio Cabina.
We moved the three beds together to make a huuuuge one.
Unfortunately, my OC tendencies failed me. We missed the in-resort restaurant (they were open only until 5pm). And I forgot hubby’s swimming gear!
We had a few minutes before sundown to explore and take a few photos.The kiddie pool.All of these to ourselves!
Hubby thought it will be safer if he left us in the cabina while he searched the vicinity for food and water. I felt otherwise so I insisted that our son and I tag along.
The sun was setting and we were getting hungrier by the minute. Signal was weak, foodpanda was unavailable. We waited by the gate of the resort for public transportation. Zero. We started walking.
Then… God.
God sent help. An angel – a tricycle (or trike) driver – passed by and took us to a water refilling station. It was closed but the people were kind enough to sell us 5 gallons of mineral water in a blue jerrycan with faucet.
Kuya trike driver also took us to an area of the neighborhood where food was sold. Hubby got cooked rice, lechon manok, lechon liempo and pinakbet. Thankfully, there was also an Alfa Mart, so we bought 7 liters of Wilkins Distilled Water for our little one.
In my short chat with Kuya trike driver, I learned that he was a barangay police. He was actually on his way home when he saw us. He could’ve simply said “No” when my husband waved at him but he went out of his way and asked how he can help us.
It was dark by the time we returned to the resort. We blessed Kuya trike driver as he went back to his family. We DIY-ed our way to dine al fresco on a moonlit night.
Then…I found out I forgot to pack our eating utensils! Thankfully, Tatay Cito, Pueblo’s caretaker, lent us some. He also helped us connect to the resort’s internet.
After tidying up and a quick man-to-man talk between hubby and our little one, lights out.
Thursday: No problem!
There’s nothing better than waking up to a reminder that God is always there for you, ready to help when you need it. Beholding the wonders of His creation is an added bonus.
Our verse for the day.
God’s timing is amazing. Our toddler attends an online playgroup every Thursday and the month’s theme coincided with our trip: Nature.
I managed to take a few photos of the cabina‘s quaint toilet and bath.
The lavatory is open. It separates the toilet and the bath, each of which have windows for ventilation and sliding doors for privacy.The toilet can be improved with safety rails but overall it is safe and spacious enough for people with mobility issues.The bath area offers ample elbow room for assisted bathing. Water heater is available.
Running has always given me a sense of accomplishment. It fuels my inner drive to go for just one more mile, one more step… and some more.
I thought marriage would fully unleash the athlete in me but I was mistaken – at least for the past 10 years. Marriage revealed the sloth.
Marriage IS a gift, it is a wonderful thing but it takes hardwork. The thing is, I don’t always like hardwork. However, in completing a marathon and making a marriage last, perseverance is key. Discipline is necessary.
I am skeptical of married couples who say they “don’t fight.” If you don’t fight then how can you and your spouse grow, not just go, through conlict?
You can go through conflict, sweep it under the rug and pretend that it doesn’t exist. You know, keep the peace… then divorce later?
Or you can grow through the conflict, confront your own demons, work together, and keep love aglow until ever after. Or something like that.
Conflict brought about by a married couple’s differences are not meant to be conciliatory. They’re meant to be complementary.
– becomingBubba
My marriage is teaching me (among many other things) that happiness is a choice I can make everyday.
I can choose to be happy regardless of who (or “what”) I’m married to. I can choose to complement and compliment my husband specially when it’s most challenging to do so.
I was single and happy when I completed my first half marathon. I thought if I got married, it’ll double the fun. Thankfully, I am not 100% wrong.
Word to the wise: if you’re not happy being single (or running alone), don’t get married. You won’t get any happier when you tie the knot. Just tie your shoelaces and keep running.
Oneness in marriage is not about codependency. It’s about not losing who you are as you work (should you decide to work) through your differences.
Oneness in marriage is like putting on a pair of marathon shoes that will weather all terrains. I can’t change shoes (or carry an extra pair) when I run a marathon, can I?
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
ancore! 