DEAR Time.. Dear, TIME

Perhaps no other school activity reflects how we should live our lives more than DEAR time. The latter is a period when gradeschool students would Drop Everything And Read (DEAR). There are no teachers giving lessons, no tests or exams, no chatting with classmates, no making of projects, no eating (?)– simply the joy (I hope) of reading a book.

And I think that’s how it should be in life. We must be willing to drop everything for the essentials of life– for God, family, and joy and sanity (!). Drop Everything And Read (the Word of God).   Drop everything and Relax. Drop everything and Relish what truly counts. DEAR time for those we hold, and those who hold us dear.

During these times when I hear news of people passing on (loved ones of classmates and friends, both expected and sudden), I am reminded that each day indeed must be lived like it’s our last. And this does not mean quitting a taxing or boring work as much as giving our best always. This is not to give up everything for a partner, as much as to finally give that partner up if the relationship is wrong. This means to give rather than get, to forgive rather than hold a grudge, to make up and not prolong a fight; to show kindness, to be humble, to be brave, and stand up for what is right. To live like it’s your last is to leave what will last.

Because when that moment comes, when our earthly life ends, we would really have to let go of everything anyway. There will be no but’s, no if’s, no “wait”, or “just a moment”; no “maybe tomorrow”; no “next month, summer, or Christmas”. No “sshhhhh.. Later I’m writing something” (helloo! Drop everything!). Just “bye”.. if we can still say goodbye. So Drop Everything (now Ninang, your daughter wants a hug!) And Rest (sleep lang).. (And Hug muna).. (Resume early, very early, tomorrow.)

“So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalms 90:12)

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

– Ninang thoughts after a full day and still with work to do