Status: Single (Love Is Patient)

Love is patient. Indeed.

I asked Fr. Benedict to pray for Papa. A week after, he asked me about Papa's condition. I answered, "Ayun po, matigas ang ulo. Ang hirap painumin ng gamot." He laughed and said, "Ganyan talaga. Kaya nga sila tinawag na magulang. Pagpasensyahan mo na lang."

In a conversation with Papa's cardiologist, he asked, "May asawa ka na ba?" I answered, "Wala pa po." He then said, "Kaya ikaw talaga ang magdadala nito. Magastos pero tiis-tiis muna. Para naman sa Papa mo yan." I just smiled. When I was about to leave the clinic, he shouted, "Mag-asawa ka na!"

Those two conversations led me to reflect and I came to realize the following:

The Bible says love is patient. And love is best tested when you have to take care of a patient. I really don't like it when Papa is sick because he can get too stubborn, annoying, and "papansin." But that is also the best time for Mama, Arnold, and me to be molded and be taught how to love more. When our patience is tested, so is our capability to love.

Marriage is not an escape to all life's problems. You don't get married just for you to have a partner who will carry the burdens that you have as a single person. Nor do you get married as "pambayad utang" for everything that a person has done for you. Should I get married, I want it to be a personal decision based on discernment and deep prayer. I'd do it because it is what God wants for me. I am really bothered at people who decides to get married and when you ask them why they would tell you, "Kung ano man ang desisyon ko, responsable ako." To me it seems they no longer had a choice. That is scary. I believe the decision to marry must be deeply rooted in love, love in it's truest sense - free, full, faithful, fruitful.

Yes, I'm still single (read: unmarried). As long as you don't see a ring on my finger, I remain single. And I would appreciate it if you stop asking. Don't worry about me (about us), when the right time comes, and if God permits, we will eventually come to that. :)

For now, I am enjoying my life as it is. I am taking seriously all the roles that God has entrusted me with - daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, partner, missionary - and I love learning more about faith, joy, love, hope, and life.

For now, I am living and loving the moment, basking in the presence of my Greatest Love. He alone is enough. :)

Wait. Love is patient. :)

*****

Let nothing disturb you,

Let nothing frighten you,

All things are passing away:

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things

Whoever has God lacks nothing;

God alone suffices.

~St. Teresa of Avila

God is—

The Almighty One and your Might,

The Provider and your Provision,

The Giver and your Gift,

The Protector and your Protection,

The Warrior and your Victor,

The Healer and your Health,

The Blessed One and your Blessing,

The Eternal One and your

Ever-Present Help in time of need.

~Roy Lessin

Filled. Refreshed. Blessed. Beloved ♥

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