So it is not happiness that makes us grateful.
It's gratefulness that makes us happy. If you think it's happiness that makes
you grateful, think again. It's gratefulness that makes you happy.
-
Bro. David Steinl-Rast
I have to say that 2015 has been a great year
for me. It’s a year of
accomplishments and realizations, it made me taste what and how a really busy
life goes. It has taught me how to value
my time more and value the people who really matter. The year has been driven by tough decisions I
had to make, life offers a lot options to choose from and it demands that we
choose whatever is best. It’s never easy but there is always something to be
thankful about.
Gratitude, doesn’t end with what we
have received and being thankful for them but being thankful and being ready to
share what we have received to those in need. That is perhaps, as I see it,
gratitude in its truest sense. So let me begin with my immediate family who
have always showed deep concern and care for me. My parents and siblings were
always ready to listen and talk to me about my plans and decisions I have to
make. The guidance they have provided proved how strong the family supports
each member. I have seen that support a lot of times and although they are
always physically far from me, distance is not a limiting factor anymore
because of technology.
Let
me express my gratitude to the people who have devoted, shared and even gave
their time and effort in helping me during the times when I was trying to
finish my Masters in the university. They are the professors and friends who
have given their words of encouragement during the time when I was at the edge
of making or not making it to this year’s graduation rites. I’ve seen how
things which have fallen apart fall into place.
I’d like to give my appreciation and
gratitude to my former students who have now become part of a team (Arboists)
working with me. It is that time when I am aware I cannot do all things alone,
your assistance have contributed a lot and I look forward to working with you
more in the coming years.
I am definitely grateful for my
friends and colleagues, for making work a little easier to carry, work is more
meaningful when it is done and spent with you. The organization is not perfect
but our awareness that it is not, makes us grow.
I
am very thankful for the miracles this year! Strangers who have helped me when
I literally fell off my motorbike, planned and unexpected visits from friends, people who offered help and accommodation
during my visit to different places, new friends I gained in my trips, making
it through life’s problems and finding the courage to pray. It is true. It is
all in His grace. An Saiyang padagos na pagcamoot satuya! With these, I'd like to say I am ready to meet 2016, begin the year also with gratefulness and whatever it brings I am quite sure there's always a reason to be thankful!
Happy and Peaceful New Year to All!
Happy and Peaceful New Year to All!
