Time to Think Up!

CEBU, Philippines — It seems like we are always chasing after time. Now the year-end is looming and apparently, those in the corporate world may be thinking it is closing too soon. There is still so much to do.

Last year, we were hoping for the year to end fast. As if by so doing, we could sweep away all the trauma that the pandemic brought about. So much loss. So much pain. Both to business and personal relations. 

Most store windows then skipped Halloween to put in Christmas in their shops, to bring cheer as Christmas often does. 

It only made us more sensitive to the fact that we were trying hard to surface the spirit of celebration. As if by so doing, we could ward off the doom that was prevalent in the air.

Our lives have centered so much on this ominous virus that seems to lead triumphantly over our spirits as like a chameleon it changes its form, mutates and continues to be anathema.  We cannot even plan without considering how any movement will expose us to the treat of infection. We cannot even think or write without making this pest of a disease part of our sentence. How I wish I could just crumple the word and tear it in our shredder so that it does not surface again. How do we eradicate the anxiety? The anticipation of ruin?

We just have to take that leap of faith. That great step of trust.

In the early days of our panic, we did what we often set aside. We took our lifeline and called a friend. We clung on to our faith. We left everything at the feet of God. We placed our business in His hands.  We ask God’s covering over our families. We prayed. As often as we could. Because we actually had the time to focus on God. And He listened. And slowly, we adjusted to the new normal.

God cleaned the air. He nourished nature back. We learned how to take care of our bodies again. We felt whole even in the midst of chaos. Our business stalled, but our lives took on its own detour. More heartening, peaceful and focused on the essential. We did hobbies we forgot existed. We became more responsive to people and their individuality where we used to just take them as part of the fixtures, like the guards at the malls, or the servers in the stores. We acknowledged that we were in this together and that all humanity suffered together.

I hope that we continue to be sensitive. Pleasant. Prayerful. Even as we rally through the up and downs of this pandemic. Let omicron or delta or alpha or whatever letter comes next not ruin our spirit as a people of a great God.

As the final month of the year opens, let us focus on the upcoming test of choice. What kind of leaders would we want in place? Who among them can lead us in the midst of our crisis?  Who is anchored on the true leader that ordains or all things? Who is basing his or her wisdom on the power far greater than his or her own?

In the making of our choices, we have to remember, our president is not God. But he or she can be God-driven. Who among them trust in a leader who is before, behind and above all things? Think Up!