To Uncharted Waters

When I first started working in the real world, on my very first day being deployed, I already wanted to quit. Somewhat eight (8) full hours of manual labor had occurred. As I came home from that day, my parents asked me how was my first day at work. To my already frustrated self, I couldn’t answer that I enjoyed it, rather, I stated that it was already tiring (of course, hinting that I wanted out as well). Ah, yes, the woes of a Millennial: the need for immediate comfort. My father told me, “Dong, wala ma’y trabahong dili kapoy,” (Son, there’s no job that is not tiring), and my mother telling me to love my job instead. At first, I didn’t really wanna hear any of that, hence, my disappointment ensued as if to say in my mind, “God must be punishing me with this type of work.” And so, I was beginning to find a better job. Searched and searched. Then came the nightmare that stopped me dead in my tracks -- it was the death of a loved one (grampa’s younger brother). Before he died, all he wanted was a pair of shoes from me, any pair would do, yet, I deferred it in my first 5 months of work since my cash flow was still not stable. I cursed the day I entered my company, because I could barely survive financially (1Timothy 5:8). The regret still lingers of how, albeit a simple life during simpler times (without the inflation and all), I was incapable of providing (well, I could pay for necessities only & that’s it only -- paycheque to paycheque lifestyle).

Depressed. Brokenhearted. Infuriated. I guess that’s the three (3) words that best describes my first year of employment. I became irritable mostly. Ask me a simple question of, “Nikaon na ka?” (Have you ate?) can already annoy me to the point that my tone of voice has been added with a few more decibels. A terrible epitome of a Christian.

As I worked, I longed for learning so as to keep my mind off of all the white noise that goes roundabout in my head. I did the best I could & was noticed for it. (Proverbs 22:29) I learned all I could in the company, from administrative/office works to financial budgeting to equipment operations management (maintenance, troubleshooting, etc) to plain people handling. As I delved deeper into my job, all the fluttering nonsense clouding my thoughts continue to fade. After one & a half (1.5) years on the job, I was given a supervisory position. More power, more responsibility. (Proverbs 14:23) By then, I would have learned restraint from being angry all the time. Alas, the devil that tried to keep my joy away from me had been conquered. When I was a supervisor already, I couldn’t really just tell people what to do & watch on the side, I hated that part; I wanted to help my subordinates. After all, I did come from a lowly position. I know to most people, my style isn’t conventional, but I loved assisting others in their manual labor. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

The main inspiration I have when it comes to work is Jesus Christ: let Him be an example. See, He is the God-of-all manifested in human flesh. A God shouldn’t work, right? Of course. But look at Him -- He’s a carpenter! As a matter of fact, He washed His disciples’ feet! Well, whadaya know? The Supreme Ruler of the world practices service and submission even when He has a leadership position. Now that’s humility! He wasn’t a boss; He was a leader. Even until the very end, He was obedient to the will of the Father wherein He took upon Himself the very death we deserve. He could’ve just said, “Y’know what, I’m outta here. Peace!” midway through the carrying of His cross & sending a host of heaven’s angels to avenge Him, but no. Uh ah. He took that cross, brought it to Golgotha, and died a sinner’s death; even if He was perfect without blame, yet He claimed what was supposedly our merited punishment.

I love my parents & my kinfolk. And I’m grateful for this life I live.

Sometimes, it’s just better to let go & let GOD.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24). “