Of Chases and Walks

A chase - this is how life used to be for me.

~o~

The busy streets of Manila is something unimaginable for a probinsyana like me. Heavy traffic is a myth, clothing brands are unnecessary and malls higher than 3 floors are exaggerations for the simple city of Tabaco in Albay, from where I'm from. Ironically, though, the chase and the game of life I was in was no different from the manic days of an everyday Manila life.

My high school days were full of competition that even "time" was neither an enemy or an ally. It did not prove to be any slower knowing I'm away from the urban buzz. Surely, man's natural desire for achieving and searching for self-worth kicked in during these times. I knew I belonged somewhere, or at least I needed to belong somewhere. Those days were full of chase. A chase to meet deadlines, a chase to meet grades, a chase to top exams, a chase to win contests and a chase to build and distinguish oneself. This is the chase to attaining something seemingly unattainable - happiness and success.

And I must admit, most of these races I was in, I propelled with my OWN will power and strength.

Achievements came as glory; and failures? They dawned like a leech that drains your entire being, until you're hollow. It was tiring, yet rest was something elusive. I was always tired at the end of the day.

~o~

A walk - this is how life with Him is. A breeze in the park, a day watching the clouds go by. Yes, everything is the same yet entirely different. My world is no longer a chase. It is a wonderful journey. Still one with struggles, which i'm happy to offer. Why? Because I know don't need to worry about anything. I am given what I need :) Will power and strength is no longer my fuel, but rather they are fuelled by HIS POWER and LOVE.

I already know belong to something, to someone - and that is to Him and His mighty love. I no longer have to chase material achievements, for He looks at the heart not at the quantity of work. Meeting of deadlines, grades, and achievements did not get me to the unattainable worldly success and happiness, but happiness with Him will lead me to achieving, achieving beyond what I imagined and beyond the definition of this world.

Above all, amidst the chase, the stress and the race, the struggles... there is rest and peace and love in Him.

~o~

I know I am loved. You are, too :) It did not matter who I was, how I was before... He just LOVES.

~o~

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him."

~Psalm 37:7