Oft-told tales forthe ‘soul-ful’ season

In this season of reflection, perhaps it will help us do some soul-searching even as we remember our dear departed by once again going through the following two eye-openers.

1. Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

By Max Ehrmann ©1927

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2. Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed a dream.

As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,

One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,

especially at the very lowest and saddest times,

there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.

“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,

You’d walk with me all the way.

But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you.”

(Claimed by several authors).

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The Forgiven

Prisoner No. 42146 Anastacio Zabala, 60, sheds quiet tears as he faces Dolores Misericordia, 75, from across the table at the visiting room of the National Penitentiary. As usual during her weekend visits in the past decade, she spreads out a delicious meal for him. Afterward, Dolores, a devout Catholic, prays over Anastacio before she leaves, “God be with you,” she whispers to him and, together, they make the Sign of the Cross. Anastacio sheds more tears as he watches Dolores disappear around a corner. She is the mother of the girl that Anastacio raped and killed 10 years ago.

(Note: This was inspired by a true story about a prominent lady who forgave the rapist-killer of her daughter and whom she prayed over when she visited him in prison. The names were changed to protect the privacy of the people involved. I submitted this story to the Reader’s Digest’s “100-Word Story” contest but it failed to make the grade. The message is relevant in any season of the year.)

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Some helpful tips for Pinoy tourists going to Taiwan

Going to Taiwan for a vacation? Here are some helpful tips from the Welcome to Taiwan booklet:

Social etiquette

• Always present things to Taiwanese people with both hands. Giving something with only one hand shows that you don’t really care and some people might see it as a sign of disrespect and could be offended.

• In Chinese culture, it is rude to point at people with one finger. When beckoning to someone, wave your hand toward yourself with your palm down.

• If someone offers you a gift, put it aside and open it later.

• Don’t write anything in red unless it is to mark an exam.

• Take your shoes off before entering a Taiwanese home.

• If someone gives you a business card, take it with both hands and do not place it in your back pocket.

• Don’t correct people’s English unless they ask you to do so.

• If you eat out with Taipei locals, don’t let them pay for the bill every time. In Taipei’s culture, it is expected that people take turn inviting each other.

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