Last year, I attended the YFC International Conference in Palawan and from my entire experience, I took away three revelations that I still honor to this day. The Lord has really guided me to get me to where I am now, and it was all thanks to how desperately He was wanting to intervene in my life. Allow me to share what I learned:
1. Live in the present moment
I arrived at this conclusion in a rather unfortunate matter, but in hindsight it was all a part of the Lord’s plan. After the conference, PAC region delegates headed towards El Nido in Palawan for island hopping. Never in my life have I seen such a pristine view of beach and sky. It was truly paradise that was right in front of me and what consumed my mind the most was “How can I capture this moment so I can relive it forever?” I was so obsessed with wanting to immortalize the scene and experience because most likely I’d never have the chance again. On the last island we hopped to, I kept my phone in my swimming trunks and took so many photos when we were on the beach. Long story short, I forgot the phone was in my pocket and I dove into the water, and when I got out, my phone and everything saved in it were completely destroyed. I was completely struck. I could’ve been really depressed and mourned the loss of an expensive and sentimental piece of technology, but when we all got back on the boat, I had a very profound moment. I looked back at the island we were leaving, and thought back to all the events and moments that I tried to keep on my phone. Nothing was ever really lost. It’s not like I won’t be able to remember anything at all. The entire YFC ICON experience still rings so vibrantly and vividly through my heart and mind, so to expect a digital photo to carry more feelings that what I was able to personally experience was ridiculous. I was there, and it happened, and God made sure it was etched into me permanently. As long as I stop paying attention to the medium in which I record life events and look at life itself, the Lord will make sure nothing that has impacted me will escape my heart.
2. Appreciate family
This lesson sounds a little silly, but it carried alot of meaning when I came upon it. After Palawan, I was still staying in the Philippines a little bit longer because I wanted to see family on my mom’s side. My mom’s side is pretty rowdy so I was very excited and looking forward to seeing how much my uncles, aunts, and cousins have grown. I landed in Naga City in Bicol because that’s where my mom’s side mainly lived. What I didn’t know was that my dad’s mom’s sister (grandma’s sister on dad’s side) was residing in Naga City as well. My mom knew the entire time, so she suggested I go visit her. She was in a retirement home for those that chose the anointed religious life and she was a Daughter of Charity. Apparently I met her before but I don’t recall ever meeting her the last time I was in the Philippines. She was in this retirement facility because her sight was diminishing and was completely deaf. But despite all that and her old age, she was still able to remember me and still read my lips and know what I was saying. I was in awe. This woman who I’m blessed to be related to is the very embodiment of joy and Love. This particular moment when I was able to talk to her was the absolute best part of my entire trip to the Philippines, including ICON. Through the encounter of her, I then realized that this same joy and Love can be found in the rest of my family as well. Aside from them just being a source of joy, I looked at my entire family as a source of Christ that I can draw inspiration from to emit that same Love. It doesn’t matter the age or health, Christ is in us always and makes Himself known to us always.
3. Love Relentlessly
This is the greatest lesson I learnt on the trip. To pinpoint it to one part of the entire experience is impossible. Throughout the Social Actions prior to the ICON, the International Conference itself, the bonding with the other International delegates and the family visits, one message was constantly evident; pursue to love others as much as Christ desires to pursue us. To love myself, my family & friends, my service and this blessed Community. I was reminded to love without obstruction and to love unconditionally and overwhelmingly. Simply put, I was reminded to love as much as Christ loves the Church.
God is greater, and will consistently make Himself known to us. Allow the Lord to intercept your life and you will be changed forever. Amen.