Moment of Thanks
A line in the novel “Whirlwind” by James Clavell reads: “You’re not dead until you’re dead.”
In my life, there have been moments when I had thought things were lost that I was already bracing myself for an imminent failure and planning on how to get back up. And then someone would come along — often in the nick of time — who would unceremoniously save me from my predicament. Immediately afterwards, things would return to normal as if the crisis I’d just been through was simply imagined.
What’s so amazing is that, in many instances, my saviors were complete strangers — people whose existence I was unaware of until that very moment when I badly needed them. They would come unannounced to snatch me from sure failure. Or even death. It’s as if they materialized out of nowhere just to fulfill one singular, fate-defying (or is it fate-defining?) act in my life: and that is to save me, or to ensure that I would not fail. Imagine those moments when some hand suddenly pulls you to safety before you get hit by a speeding vehicle; or those instances when you’d have drowned had someone didn’t see you and came to rescue you in time. Think of all those whom you barely know who just happened to be at the right place at the right time when you desperately needed someone — anyone — to help you. That they were there when you needed them to be there is amazing; that they would actually extend you a helping hand is nothing short of astounding. That they would do it without question… now, that’s incredible.
Indeed, simple acts of kindness — spontaneous, unplanned display of the goodness of our hearts — do go a long way, it’s so amazing.
Sad, too. Because while knowing all this, we still often choose to do the opposite. We still choose to hurl that hurtful word, do that dreadful deed that could cut our brethren into pieces. Simple and easy things are all that we need to do to make things better for others, yet we choose to go out of our way just to make others feel bad.
Human nature. Sometimes, there’s no way of fathoming it. It can be so good, it’s so great; but it can also be so bad it’s so sad. But then perhaps that’s just how it is — so that when we see and experience goodness, our hearts would melt with gratefulness, like I am feeling now as I think of all those instances when someone was so good to me.
To all those who have extended their helping hand, perhaps not really knowing how much their seemingly simple acts of kindness had helped me; those whose faces I may no longer remember because so brief had been the encounter or exchange with them after helping me tremendously; and those who have stood by me all these years, offering me their friendship and love — to all of you, I say thank you. I am truly humbled and blessed to have received such gifts from you.
As I marvel at the miracle of all of this, I can’t help but wonder if, in my small way, I’ve managed to be some kind of a gift to others as well. Like everyone else, my heart is sinful, too, and there have been moments I may have unwittingly succumbed to human weakness. But I hope, I wish… I’ve done enough good deeds to wash away its filth.
//Sherma E. Benosa; 19 December 2009 11:54pm;
//Photo by SEB. Taken at Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet road. January 2, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
 |
December 20th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Dear Sherma ~ When the same message keeps occurring…the best thing to do it to recognise its significance and act on it.
Over the last few days the same message has occurred for me… and that is to recognise the contributions, worth, and meaning of our own existance and the beneficial (or other) affect it has on others - and from others to me)
Your post has again strengthened and affirmed me to my own worth and to the help I have both given and received in this mystery that is life.
Beautiful writing
love
henry
December 21st, 2009 at 1:41 am
Sherma-it’s obvious from this post that you’re a sensitive and caring person so I’m sure your words and deeds have benefited many others. Often the kindness we do in this world is invisible to the naked eye and can only be felt in the heart of the receiver.
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:49 am
Sherma, You are a Gift :).
Like you I believe that we will receive when we are to receive and will give when we are to give. I have had, I call them My Human Angels. They are people I have never met until that particular time of my need who were there, cause they were. They did cause they could and I recieved their kindness and had the best affirmation Life can ever give - You always have what you need. The Universe grants you all that you need. I, like you, hope I have given too.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas! and a Happy new Year! May all that is good and noble Grace your life. May you have an abundance of all that you need.
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Dear Henry,
Thank you so much, my friend. I am so happy to have you here again. It’s been such a long time. Please know that our short exchanges viablog comments mean a lot to me.
The same message has been recurring to me as well, I thought I should really do find time to write it. I am glad I finally did, after many weeks of putting writing for my blog off.
Time and again, we are reminded at how much connected we really are — perhaps much more than we imagine. Moments like those I’ve illustrated in the article are proofs and pleasant reminders.
Do take care and hope to see you again soon.
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:27 pm
NothingProfound: You humble me my friend. I always struggle to do what is good to others… I hope to be able to do more… or at least, to lessen the pain I may be unwittingly causing others.
Take care. And again, do know I am glad you are here.
MYSOUL Thank you, my friend. Very well said, I’ve nothing to add.
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones as well. God bless!
March 19th, 2010 at 2:16 am
Hi,Sherma, it’s me again! Thank you!
Because of your Taeng ni Ayat, your Teaser and your Pen that can speak different languages, I get to use my native tongue again that I tucked in my cupboard for a long long time. Your good words and of course your good deeds will be magnified and and will create a fire with its flame waging in too many peoples’ mind. Thank you again my friend, and take care.
July 30th, 2010 at 8:56 am
Hello, Manong Kintin,
Thank you so much for the kind words.
God bless Manongko and hope to see you around.
Ingat,
Sherma