Where Do Weary Hearts Go?

Tired...

... doing the same thing over and over again?

... being the "go to" person?

... cleaning up someone else's mess?

... caring for people who don't even care?

... loving most especially the least lovable?

... doing favors for people who only remember you when they need you?

... setting things right (or at least trying to)?

... fighting for justice?

... pursuing righteousness?

... life itself?

You may not have a broken heart, but if you answered "yes" to most of the questions above, then you definitely have a weary, and probably, wounded heart.

So where do we go now? Jonas already gave a warning not to go to Sagada (where broken hearts go :D) dahil "sa dami raw ng gustong makalimot, bingi na ang Kiltepan". Haha. Kawawang Kiltepan. Kasalanan iyan ng That Thing Called Tadhana.

Buti na lang tayo (assuming na weary/wounded din ang puso mo), pagod lang, hindi broken. :) And in moments like this, where else do we go but to the ultimate source of strength, peace, love, and joy.

"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

I go to God. And I meet Him here:

Silent sanctuary. ♥

or here:

How beautiful is the body of Christ! ♥

or if I have enough resources, here:

Baguio! ♥

August has been a crazy month. I feel like I'm on an emotional roller-coaster ride. But what kept me sane despite the madness that's surrounding me is the fact that God has never left my side. He faithfully, lovingly, patiently journeyed with me. And I couldn't thank Him enough.

I complained a lot, I freaked out, I even doubted and questioned His plans, but He did not let me go, and I know He never will. Trials would either make or break a relationship, so they say. As for me and my God, I'm glad they only drew us closer together.

I have never missed a mass since the first Sunday of August, availed the Sacrament of Reconciliation, attended several Holy Hours, visited the Adoration Chapel almost everyday, and never missed a day writing love letters (since August 1).

And it was not because I was faithful, but because God is. :) I would not have done any of the above if He wasn't the One leading me. I remember last Thursday, my original plan was to go back to GMC after the mass, but before the final blessing, it was announced that there would be a Holy Hour. And so I decided to stay. It was as if God was telling me, "Stay, My child. I long to be with you."

I guess that's the beauty of being in a relationship with the Greatest Lover of all, you are assured that you are loved more than you can ever love. God thirsts for you, for all of us, more than we thirst for Him. We just cannot outdo the way He loves and gives and forgives. Isn't that great?! No, that's perfect! ♥

I thank God for the recent events in my life, the recent emotions that I felt (and still feel), the recent struggles, trials, and temptations I bravely faced almost alone. All of them led me to a better knowledge of myself - who I am in the eyes of God, what I really want and need, what I can and cannot do without.

I am still tired. I still get tired. But after spending quiet moments with God (Sometimes it takes me a whole day of silencing, but I don't really mind. A time spent with the Lord is never wasted. ♥), I press on. After all, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

Nakakapagod. Pero hindi ibig sabihing pwede ng sumuko. Pwede namang magpahinga. Mag-recharge, at ituloy ang laban. Hindi dahil gusto mo lang manalo, hindi dahil may kailangan kang patunayan. Kundi dahil nagmamahal ka. Wala ng ibang dahilan. :)

Let the reason be love. ♥

***

My current "go to" place aside from my self-made altar at home and the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice in UP, is St. Joseph Shrine in Cubao, Quezon City. If you're interested, below are the mass schedules:

Mondays to Saturdays:

5:30 AM

6:15 AM

7:00 AM

7:45 AM

12:00 NN

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

Sundays:

5:00 AM

7:30 AM

9:00 AM

10:30 AM

12:30 PM

2:00 PM

3:30 PM

5:00 PM

6:30 PM

8:00 PM

Holy Hour is every Thursday after the 7PM mass. :)

***

Speaking of silencing, it's a practice I learned from the Assumption Sisters, but when I took this quiz, I got the Pink Sisters! Well, fascinated din naman talaga ako sa kanila. As a matter of fact, I've already gone to three of their convents: Tagaytay, Baguio, and New Washington, Aklan. And I always end up feeling energized and ready to face the world again. :)

Excited for what lies ahead. The future looks bright! ♥

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