Inside My World

Two days ago, I had the opportunity to share part of my time with prison inmates somewhere in the city at the prodding of my mom. I’ve been there once to check on one particular patient. Now, it was sort of a christmas gift in the form of medical mission - sans free medicines- to the infirm inmates. And while I was there, I came to a realization of a lot of things…

True, such people may have done something grave, something gruesome, something unforgivable to most of us. But hey, they are just like us. No one’s perfect. WE ALL SIN, whether we may justify ours to be insignificant or trifling compared to theirs. I’m no exception, and I admit to my own wrongdoings. But I am thankful- really, really thankful!- that inspite of it, I am free and that I don’t have to be confined to a cramped space with several other people whom I don’t know or have no relation with and wait for God knows how long it will take to be free again…Life inside the prison must be a struggle; most of us just don’t realize how despicable life must be behind bars…

I also came to realize that God has appointed to each one of us our own different crosses to bear, and that I don’t have the right to remonstrate or whine about my life and my circumstances (which, I must admit, I love to do lately!). There is so much more to be thankful for, and as I decided to focus on God’s faithfulness and started counting my blessings, I realized I had soooo many things to be thankful for than rant about.

With freedom comes responsibility- one cannot do without the other or things will get out of hand. We are free to "do our own thing", but with it is a consequence attached. We can’t always do the right thing or make the right choices, but we must be ready to face whatever consequences that may follow our lapses in thinking and judgement. But thank God for second chances! Imagine how it must be without being able to be given a new lease in life! As God has forgiven us so must we forgive others too.

When it was time to go, I promised to come back, and not just during christmas. I hope I can fulfill my promise.I hope I can do so much more to help in my own way. A lot of them need medical attention but were unable to avail of it; they need food, clothes, even the simple things we take for granted. But much more than these things, they need to be forgiven, not forsaken, for their wrong choices and be given the hope that comes with knowing GOD. Even the mere presence of someone who will be willing to listen and understand will suffice. I was surprised at how a simple touch of my hand made an old man cry.

And now, I came to realize that I HAD TO COME BACK.