2025: present but not totally attentive

It was late Saturday afternoon when it was recorded as the longest day. The sun still up as I rode the jeepney at six pm, stucked in the traffic going northbound. It became my two hours commute going for an event that started at 3pm. I was late. In the jeepney I kept asking myself why did I forced to come. in my worried mind, what if I could no longer reach the any part of the program. Was that a wrong idea 💡.? But I kept going anyway.

The 9th Anniversary of my Yahweh El Elyon Charistmatic Community was held at the local gymnasium where it is near at the main prayer place. The community that I am attending for almost 3 years. This was my third anniversary with them. This time, the event location was a bit tricky for me since I was not familiar of the place. I only had the google maps with me and the belief that it would get easy to find. I haven't been there. If I might be there, it would be a challenge since I must commute going from Lapulapu City to Liloan. That was on my mind as the days unfolded until it came. I had decided not going anymore, though, I told my friends that I would be there days before.

From work, I stepped on the bus going to the market. Surprisingly, I saw a familiar face sitting near the entrance if the bus. I greeted and asked if he was going to the event place. He said he was, and gladly asked if I could go with him as I didn't have any idea what route should I take by commute. My bad, I couldn't remember his name only his face. It was because of his help, I was able to reach the place safe and never had to worry to get lost. I think I forgot to thank him for the guidance that afternoon. We were on our own when we arrived at the gym.

At the event I saw my friends, I greeted some at the entrance. Got my pre ordered anniversary shirt at 350 pesos with a slogan, 'Go forth beyond limits'. After changing my work shirt to the 💜 purple anniversary shirt, I saw Ate Flor eating, signaling her hands for me to eat with her. She got a box full of rice to share. I didn't hesitate to get a paper plate as she called me. There I had a lechon paired with cucumber salad. Lucky me 😁.

I was so full, I was looking for a soda drink. The worship was ongoing. I couldn't concentrate because I was uncomfortably full, my bad. I relaxed for a moment outside the gym to focus and be present. I tried to look for my friends when it was the time for the kids presentation.

The worship and talks had started. I thought I couldn't reach for it. My mind wanders outside not totally focused. I went inside near the stage. I found a sit. I found my friends seems enjoying and being there. I shifted my mind from wandering to listening. Attentive to the messages my friends on stage shared. Singing worships with them, being immersed to shared hopes and faith, encouraging us to go forth beyond limits.

The teens presentation was a reminder that life has many temptations and sins that can destroy us but recognizing Jesus and His love and Mercy can liberty us from all distress. Its not late to know Him.

Teens Presentation 👇
https://waveful.app/posts/gB7kHmFUBgI4Jbon1cms

I am grateful with the experience. My heart was full that night. When going home, I hitch a ride with my groups bus. It was full though and I was standing, but it doesn't matter because the roads at night was cleared. We reached Lapulapu maybe around 30 minutes only.

That was for today.
Peace be with you.