Friday, April 20, 2012
PRAYER FOR COLLABORATION
PRAYER FOR COLLABORATION
By Ernie Delfin
ALONE it is easy to believe that my contribution is small… doesn’t
count will never matter.
TOGETHER our contributions grow strong, firm, significant like
links in a chain.
ALONE it is easy to wonder what impact my everyday tasks could
possibly have on those who come to us for help.
TOGETHER our everyday tasks become part of the whole, part of
our collaboration which touches the lives and souls of the poor
and vulnerable.
ALONE it is easy to believe that my arms are not big enough to
embrace the problems of our world… the poor, the hungry,
the homeless.
TOGETHER our collective arms are big enough to tackle the
brokenness of our world… one person at a time,
one day at a time.
ALONE it is easy for the fire of my concern for others to dwindle into
embers.
TOGETHER the fire of our commitment to those in need can
grow. You who stand close by rekindle my spirits, my passion
when I grow tired and weary.
ALONE it is easy to be intimidated by often daunting darkness of our
world.
TOGETHER discouragement and setbacks we shared,
interpreted, acknowledged… and often replaced by new
hope, new confidence, new commitment.
ALONE it is tempting to forget that unseen, other’s work day in and
day out to make a difference in such a needy world.
TOGETHER we stand before the darkness of our world and
proclaim that it shall not extinguish the light of goodness
and love.
ALONE my enthusiasm and energy can get worn down by everyday
discouragements… setbacks.. disappointments.
TOGETHER we offer hope, reach out to those who need us and
build the spirit of a community.
ALONE …. I can give up, isolated, discouraged, and burnt-out.
TOGETHER, our lighted candles can illuminate a darkened
nation and our world!
AN UNPLANNED MEDICAL VACATION THIS LENT LEADS TO A MORE BALANCED LIFE AND DIET
THE METAMORPHOSIS
By
Ernie D. Delfin
AN UNPLANNED MEDICAL VACATION THIS LENT
LEADS TO A MORE BALANCE LIFE AND DIET
In a person’s lifetime, there will be a few major events that will cause some significant life-style adjustments or profound metaphysical changes in his life. Those events are often planned or patiently worked for its fulfillment, such as one’s college graduation, wedding or even a divorce. Some occurrences, however, like a major accident or illness, come along like a thief in the night and the person must deal with it as best as he can. March 7, 2012 was one of those days that I will never forget as I underwent a Da Vinci Robotic Laparoscopic surgery where I was put to sleep for over three hours at the Torrance Memorial Hospital. That hospital stay was just the second time I ever slept in a hospital bed; the first time was in a Dagupan City (Philippines) hospital due to serious car accident 35 years ago. This surgery hopefully has prolonged my life but also changed it dramatically altered my life-style, including my diet!
After I was asked to sign a document giving the doctors full authority to do anything to save my life in the event of any unexpected occurrences that may happen during the surgery, I felt completely vulnerable and have accepted my own mortality. And yes, the feeling of complete surrender to my God was all I could do in silent prayer, to achieve some degree of peace and tranquility within myself. With the wonders of science and technology, I really did not know nor feel anything from the time I was given a laxative drug prior to the anesthesia injection in the surgery room. When I woke up, several hours later, I was already in the recovery room, and noticed for the first time those intravenous tubes and computer screens beside my bed that were obviously monitoring my vital signs to the nurse’s station. With a grateful heart, I thanked God that the surgery was successful and that I was alive!
Due to the wonders of modern medicine and technology, I was discharged the following day, which started my forced vacation at home for several weeks, but with a tube attached to my body for a week! Although with some degree of pains and discomfort, the mind and the spirit appeared to become sharper and fortified as if to compensate the weakening of the physical body. The three weeks since the surgery (so far) have given me a lot of hours thinking, pondering, reminiscing, reading and writing. It was a rare luxury of time, that I never had before in my six decades of earthly existence. It’s a grand vacation without much expense in the confines of my own home with very light physical activity in my farmyard during this unusually cold springtime. Surprisingly, I also felt happy and contented with my newfound life status as a semi-retired businessman with reduced commitments and the absence of my normal activities, as per doctor’s orders for about month or two.
--------
My forced vacation during this Holy Week had me contemplating what truly matters in my own life. This medical leave is causing my mind, spirit and body to live in harmony, a much needed equilibrium in my life. A real metamorphosis is happening for me this Springtime, including my food intake. The doctor advised me to abstain from meat as it is the best food to attract the cancer cells to come back. Now, those inviting juicy advertisements for steak and lobsters or rich-in-cholesterol foods that are quite prevalent in our society are gradually becoming unattractive for me. For about three weeks now, my palate’s craving for a medium rare prime rib steak with sautéed mushrooms and baked potatoes with gravy with red wine is almost gone!
If the doctor is right, getting rid of my prostate that was afflicted with aggressive cancer cells at that early stage has given me another l5-25 years of life will be a great bonus. With God’s blessing and mercy, I have resolved to make each day, each week worth living for by doing something positive every day, not only for myself and family’s welfare but also for others. I hope that I can continue to make a difference to somebody and leave this world a better place for my children and their children.
What is truly important in one’s life? Nobody can answer that philosophical question for us, but when we are alone, divorced from the busyness and noise of the world, in the deep recesses of our soul, there lies a silent voice that whispers an honest answer that breathes life unto our spirit to become more vibrant and joyful. The past few weeks that I have been physically down, I felt quite blessed and fortunate that I am again in deep communion with my mind and spirit, that somehow were neglected and not been adequately nourished as they should have been in the past. The Lenten Season biblical stories have given me fresh perspectives and renewed my faith more profoundly this time. For instance, last Sunday’s gospel tells of a story how Christ was moved by so much compassion for Lazarus’ relatives’ mourning over the former’s death, that He brought Lazarus back to life. Likewise, I have that inexplicable belief that Christ also loves me that much despite my sinfulness that He is making me recover very well to live fully to do His will.
Next week, Christian churches will celebrate Christ’s passion that will lead to His death on the cross but He will come back to life during His Resurrection on the third day. Man’s sufferings, like my recent ailment, can never be compared to Christ’s suffering and sacrifice for our redemption. The timing of my surgery during Lent has given me priceless lessons and fortified me in my own share of human sufferings and struggles during my lifetime.
Now, I realize that being sick and forced into an unplanned vacation is a part and parcel of our human condition; imperfect as we human beings are, we probably need these warning signals to remind us of our mortality and to purify us from the many toxins that we accumulate in our topsy-turvy world. The interdependence of all human beings was made more profound this time of my life. The virtue of trust (to my doctors, nurses and all who ministered my needs) and the virtue of gratitude (to all who expressed love and concern, especially my family and friends, including those scientists and inventors of this expensive Da Vinci Robot and the powerful medicines) touched the core of my being profusely especially the times when I felt very down and vulnerable. As that popular song of yesteryears declares “People need people”. Yes, indeed, we are just one world, and a very small world after all!
This Holy Week and every week for the rest of my life, as I continue to receive the countless gifts of life-giving love from others, I pray that I am also able to give the same to others. Then, and only then that my life is worth living for, in complete gratitude to HIM who gives us life.
HAVE A BLESSED HOLY WEEK, EVERY ONE!
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Email writer: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or drbannatiran@yahoo.com
DREAMS: FERTILIZER FOR LIFE'S JOURNEY
THE METAMORPHOSIS
by
Ernie Delfin
DREAMS: FERTILIZER FOR LIFE’S JOURNEY
”The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
---- Eleanor Roosevelt
Last night, I again dreamt about the sweetness of the rose, but I was totally oblivious that a rose is full of thorns! I still dream almost every night, even at my age as a “senior” citizen grandpa. Many of these dreams are unfathomable, weird dreams, some appeared almost real, while others are just plain fantasies of an unconscious fertile mind. Some nights I dream flying in strange places with hard to describe creatures or animals around me. Some nights I dream being lost in the wilderness or in massive sea of people. Sometimes I dream addressing a huge universe of students. Often, I am very happy or ecstatic in some dreams. On rare occasions, however, I also find myself fighting in my dreams. Sometimes, I even talk in my dreams too. (so far after 30 years of marriage those vivid dreams were never self-incriminating which makes my wife happy and me luckier!) Sometimes, I wished that I would not wake up as some dreams are to “die for” as they are quite sweet and full of joy. Those kinds of dreams could be the perfect fulfillment of some suppressed desires!
The capacity to dream is one of the greatest gifts that our Almighty Creator has endowed upon us, human beings. I pray that this unique gift will be with me until I breathe my last breath of life.
Dreams take so many forms and images. They are the centerpiece and the heart of immortal speeches like “I Have a Dream” of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. he delivered in 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, 5 years before his assassination in 1968. Dreams are also the essence of many magical songs like “The Impossible Dream” from the musical “Man of La Mancha” written by Joe Darion sang by many famous entertainers like Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra, or the “Dream Dream Dream” sung by the Everly Brothers. Some songs like R. Kelley’s “I believe I can Fly” obviously refer to dreaming as it is only in dreams that the writers and singers can do it with ease.
Even the Good Book contains many stories about bible characters dreaming that often guided their decisions. For instance, the three Kings from the East, the Magi, who visited the infant Jesus in Bethlehem, decided not to go back to the Pharaoh despite his request for them to go back to him, so he too can pay homage to the newly born Jesus. Instead they went back home through another route because they were instructed to do so in a dream. Because of a dream, Joseph brought his family, consisting his spouse Mary and his infant son Jesus, to Egypt to avoid Herod’s persecution by killing all first born sons.
Another Joseph, the son of Jacob, through divine inspiration interpreted the dream of the Pharaoh of a forthcoming severe famine that will visit Egypt. With Joseph’s right interpretation, it enabled the king to avert this extreme famine by storing plenty of surplus grains in their granaries. As the story goes, (Genesis chapter 37-45) the famine persisted for seven years that compelled the brothers of Joseph to go to Egypt and “beg for food” without any knowledge that their young brother Joseph whom they have sold to some merchants because of their jealousy has risen to prominence in the Pharaoh’s palace. The saga of Joseph, the dreamer, is an interesting story of the human condition ---- from jealousy to conflict resolution to forgiveness ------ that still afflicts us, human beings, to this day. What a story that needs to be retold to our children and their children too!
----- -------------
Fast forward to the 2lst century, do people still dream? Do they still dream for a better future? For a more progressive, ethical and more peaceful world? Many people who stop dreaming, are actually “dead” at 40, maybe, but physically buried physically in their 70’s or 90’s maybe. Sadly many people just accept what life’s cards were dealt to them and just go on with the mundane routine of life, without dreaming and working for a better day. One can observe many lonely seniors bereft of zest for life, just socializing and majoring in minor topics every day in their homes or some senior citizen housing somewhere. The high point of their week is their regular casino trips or weekend mad jong games for hours. Their capacity to dream has ceased the day they stopped their employment. They no longer wake up excited to do something new that stimulates their stagnant mind. As their mind stagnates, the body degenerates and soon, their main weekly activity is to visit their doctor for more prescriptions to numb themselves in their boring lives. I feel real pity for these kinds of people as there is so much to do even past 65, like volunteering in church or in schools and in many non-profit organizations like United Way, Habitat for Humanity or Gawad Kalinga rather than silently crying in quiet desperation.
As I also enter into this so-called senior stage of my life, I shudder to think to be just an ordinary senior citizen who can no longer dream for another beautiful morning to re-create some new things or indulge in mentally or physically stimulating activities like writing this column, or planting tiny seeds, that in due time becomes a robust plant blooming with multicolored flowers that may turn into some edible fruits for humans as well as the birds (and even some “wild” animals) that occasionally visit our forest-like backyard now. Many plants like eggplants, zucchinis or tomatoes live only for one season and they dried up. In their death, however, they leave their seeds that will regenerate their own species for the next season. What a beautiful mystery of God’s creation: one has to die to give a new life again!
---------------
Parallel to dreaming, I had a serendipitous discovery that I truly enjoy and that was my active interaction with college students at the University of California, Irvine. For about three years now, I am in regular contacts with these college students who are in their late teens or early twenties. Due to my position as the Youth Director of my Rotary Club of Newport Irvine, I was instrumental in the founding and chartering of the Rotaract Club of UCI about two years ago, after almost a year of preparation. Now, the UCI Rotaract Club has its life by its own. Dozens of the members have since graduated but many of us still communicate with each other nurturing our meaningful relationships that were established the last few years, courtesy of FaceBook and the internet. Some are now in many places all over the USA, like in Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Honolulu and Washington D.C, as well in China, Korea and even in Europe. Others are pursuing their graduate studies, to become doctors, lawyers or PH D’s.
Despite the socio-economic condition of the country and the world these days, many of them continue to dream for a better future for themselves and the world! Their zest for life is fueled by their optimism and love for life’s adventure. In a “Meet Different Professionalsl and Businesspeople” dinner that they hosted recently, where 10 adults like me were invited, several dozen students had a chance to have intimate dialogues with us. They thanked us profusely as they learned a lot from us. But in reality, we also learned from them as they rejuvenated our aging cells. In solitude after that dinner, I had a secret dream that I wish I were a twenty year old student again, even without the nice cars and a big house. That was another fantasy-dream, reliving my faded youth!
Another dream that I am now excitedly looking forward for its fulfillment during the next Rotary year is our EDSA (Entrepreneurship Development for Socioeconomic Advancement) Training seminars for the youth (college students and high school seniors) in the Philippines. With a Rotary Foundation grant of at least $30,000 initially with a potential maximum amount of $300,000, in succeeding years, we hope to educate/train/mentor a million students by 2020 for them to become entrepreneurs or job creators and not simply job seekers. This big, noble but very ambitious project stir the souls of many Rotarians and dreamers like me writer. Whatever happens to this dream of ours, I will update you, dear readers, with the hope that it can also inspire or stir your hearts to help our GKe-Rotary Club (www.gkerotaryclub3780.org) attain it!
When one stops dreaming, life stops! So DARE TO DREAM AGAIN, as dreams are still free!
--------- 3 0 ---------
Email writer at: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or drbannatiran@yahoo.com
D
Saturday, March 3, 2012
WHY MAN MUST SAVE AND INVEST 3/5/12
WHY A MAN MUST SAVE AND INVEST
By Ernie D. Delfin
Founder-Charter President, Global Kalinga e-Rotary Club
Past Asst. District Governor, District 5320
Our education, experiences and memories are three things that we cannot bequeath to our heirs. When we die, all these "precious" things die with us and are gone forever. After living a half century on this planet Earth, as a precocious child of God, I have learned so much from the University of Hard Knocks --- many valuable life's lessons which at this stage of my life, I feel now the urge to share with those I love dearly, including my many clients, friends and loyal readers. Had I started from a higher socio-economic ground and had I known and applied these time-tested Principles of Success (in all of Life's quadrants: physical, social, mental and spiritual) much earlier in life, I would have been a better, happier and more fulfilled successful person today. However, considering my humble beginnings in a progressive farming village in the Philippines, versus Orange Country where I am today, I feel that it is not really that bad life’s journey after all.
I used to say I am a self-made man, but it is now more appropriate (with humility) to say that I did the best I can with the talents that That Somebody Up There has given me and He graciously blest my human efforts that brought me and my family to where we are today. Indeed, our life is our gift from God, and what we do with
our life is our gift to God.
Among the things I have learned early in life that became more valuable every year I've lived in America is in the area of savings and investments. As workers, employees, laborers and breadwinners, young and old are pre-occupied with the business of living, I feel the extreme importance, like a parent to a child, to convey and leave some gems of wisdom so that the child can have a better life than his parents. To the young people of the world, I plead you to read and heed this financial advice on savings which everyone who is earning a living has the power to create and control its continued existence or cause its premature death.
You must start believing that savings have that profound value that becomes more apparent with the passage of time. The growth of your savings is somewhat analogous to the invisible yet magical rewards of responsible parents in witnessing their children metamorphose into good citizens and becoming their own successful and fulfilled human being.
With that emotionally charged introduction, Let me now share you my TOP TEN REASONS why a man must save (and invest):
1. Your savings affect the way you stand, the way you walk, and even the tone of your voice. In short, your physical well being and self-confidence. A man without savings is always running. He must take the first job offered, or nearly so. He sits nervously on life's chairs because any small emergency throws him into the hands of others.
2. Without savings, a man must be too grateful. Gratitude is a fine thing in its right place. But a constant state of gratitude is a horrible place in which to live. A man with savings can walk tall. He may appraise opportunities in a more relaxed manner, have time for judicious estimates and not be rushed by economic necessities.
3. A man without savings is always prone to react often displaying more form than substance. Without savings, a person's confidence is easily eroded as his daily chores revolve around tension-relieving activities instead of indulging in income producing endeavors while surrounded with more relaxed, happier and productive people.
4. Without savings, a man delays decisions that are good for him and his family and often misses opportunities in his lifetime, like associating or running with true winners in life. For lack of savings, he is relegated to the backseats of life, envying the gaiety and camaraderie of those who have.
5. A man with savings can afford to resign from his job when his principles so do dictate. And for this reason he will never need to do so. A man who can afford to quit is much more useful to his company, and therefore more promo table as he can afford to give his company the benefit of his most candid judgments. He does not need to kiss somebody's you-know-what.
6. A man with savings can afford the wonderful privilege of being generous to this family or to his
neighborhood's emergencies. He can take the level stare of any man, friend, stranger, or even his enemies.
This priceless commodity adds to his personality and character.
7. With savings, a person can afford to order from "left to right" in expensive hotels or resorts without being
nervous with the bill. Man without savings is forced to stay with friends and relatives' homes when he is out of
town.
8. With savings, you do not have to feign your happiness or contentment; you do not have to live in a far-away fantasyland. While it is true that money (savings) can never buy true happiness, it definitely serves as a nice down payment! Believe it or not, it is more fun to suffer in comfort than to agonize in misery.
9. The ability to save, fortunately, has nothing to do with the size of one's income. Many high-income people spend it all. They are on the treadmill, darting through life like minnows. In his classic book, The Riches Man of Babylon, Clayson admonishes strongly that every person must affirm and declare, "I must pay myself first because a part of my earnings is mine to keep!"
10. Lastly, heed the advice given by the Dean of American bankers, J.P. Morgan, to a young broker, "Take waste out of your spending; You'll drive the enjoyment out of your life!"
Perchance some of us no longer need more money for college, a home, retirement or vacation in a nice resort, and then we must just save for self-confidence, and as a role model for others. The state of our savings does have a lot to do with how tall we (or a nation, for that matter) talk or walk in this world.
After all, next to our personal relationship with our own God, faithful action in taking care of our families is our primary responsibility and this can be fortified by habitual savings and investing them wisely. Religiously doing this habit builds not only our character but increases a comfortable nest egg. What we do now, not tomorrow, is the beginning of what we do next. Our savings are the seeds of what we can harvest tomorrow.
THEREFORE SAVE NOW AND INVEST !!
Content ©
Copyright (c) 2004. Progressive Times Action Group. All rights reserved.
By Ernie D. Delfin
Founder-Charter President, Global Kalinga e-Rotary Club
Past Asst. District Governor, District 5320
Our education, experiences and memories are three things that we cannot bequeath to our heirs. When we die, all these "precious" things die with us and are gone forever. After living a half century on this planet Earth, as a precocious child of God, I have learned so much from the University of Hard Knocks --- many valuable life's lessons which at this stage of my life, I feel now the urge to share with those I love dearly, including my many clients, friends and loyal readers. Had I started from a higher socio-economic ground and had I known and applied these time-tested Principles of Success (in all of Life's quadrants: physical, social, mental and spiritual) much earlier in life, I would have been a better, happier and more fulfilled successful person today. However, considering my humble beginnings in a progressive farming village in the Philippines, versus Orange Country where I am today, I feel that it is not really that bad life’s journey after all.
I used to say I am a self-made man, but it is now more appropriate (with humility) to say that I did the best I can with the talents that That Somebody Up There has given me and He graciously blest my human efforts that brought me and my family to where we are today. Indeed, our life is our gift from God, and what we do with
our life is our gift to God.
Among the things I have learned early in life that became more valuable every year I've lived in America is in the area of savings and investments. As workers, employees, laborers and breadwinners, young and old are pre-occupied with the business of living, I feel the extreme importance, like a parent to a child, to convey and leave some gems of wisdom so that the child can have a better life than his parents. To the young people of the world, I plead you to read and heed this financial advice on savings which everyone who is earning a living has the power to create and control its continued existence or cause its premature death.
You must start believing that savings have that profound value that becomes more apparent with the passage of time. The growth of your savings is somewhat analogous to the invisible yet magical rewards of responsible parents in witnessing their children metamorphose into good citizens and becoming their own successful and fulfilled human being.
With that emotionally charged introduction, Let me now share you my TOP TEN REASONS why a man must save (and invest):
1. Your savings affect the way you stand, the way you walk, and even the tone of your voice. In short, your physical well being and self-confidence. A man without savings is always running. He must take the first job offered, or nearly so. He sits nervously on life's chairs because any small emergency throws him into the hands of others.
2. Without savings, a man must be too grateful. Gratitude is a fine thing in its right place. But a constant state of gratitude is a horrible place in which to live. A man with savings can walk tall. He may appraise opportunities in a more relaxed manner, have time for judicious estimates and not be rushed by economic necessities.
3. A man without savings is always prone to react often displaying more form than substance. Without savings, a person's confidence is easily eroded as his daily chores revolve around tension-relieving activities instead of indulging in income producing endeavors while surrounded with more relaxed, happier and productive people.
4. Without savings, a man delays decisions that are good for him and his family and often misses opportunities in his lifetime, like associating or running with true winners in life. For lack of savings, he is relegated to the backseats of life, envying the gaiety and camaraderie of those who have.
5. A man with savings can afford to resign from his job when his principles so do dictate. And for this reason he will never need to do so. A man who can afford to quit is much more useful to his company, and therefore more promo table as he can afford to give his company the benefit of his most candid judgments. He does not need to kiss somebody's you-know-what.
6. A man with savings can afford the wonderful privilege of being generous to this family or to his
neighborhood's emergencies. He can take the level stare of any man, friend, stranger, or even his enemies.
This priceless commodity adds to his personality and character.
7. With savings, a person can afford to order from "left to right" in expensive hotels or resorts without being
nervous with the bill. Man without savings is forced to stay with friends and relatives' homes when he is out of
town.
8. With savings, you do not have to feign your happiness or contentment; you do not have to live in a far-away fantasyland. While it is true that money (savings) can never buy true happiness, it definitely serves as a nice down payment! Believe it or not, it is more fun to suffer in comfort than to agonize in misery.
9. The ability to save, fortunately, has nothing to do with the size of one's income. Many high-income people spend it all. They are on the treadmill, darting through life like minnows. In his classic book, The Riches Man of Babylon, Clayson admonishes strongly that every person must affirm and declare, "I must pay myself first because a part of my earnings is mine to keep!"
10. Lastly, heed the advice given by the Dean of American bankers, J.P. Morgan, to a young broker, "Take waste out of your spending; You'll drive the enjoyment out of your life!"
Perchance some of us no longer need more money for college, a home, retirement or vacation in a nice resort, and then we must just save for self-confidence, and as a role model for others. The state of our savings does have a lot to do with how tall we (or a nation, for that matter) talk or walk in this world.
After all, next to our personal relationship with our own God, faithful action in taking care of our families is our primary responsibility and this can be fortified by habitual savings and investing them wisely. Religiously doing this habit builds not only our character but increases a comfortable nest egg. What we do now, not tomorrow, is the beginning of what we do next. Our savings are the seeds of what we can harvest tomorrow.
THEREFORE SAVE NOW AND INVEST !!
Content ©
Copyright (c) 2004. Progressive Times Action Group. All rights reserved.
PROPHETS, PROFITS AND POLITICS Mar 2012
THE METAMORPHOSIS
By
ERNIE DELFIN
PROPHETS, PROFITS AND POLITICS
It is raining now in Orange County that is making this day very conducive to work at home. It is also affording me the opportunity to finish this column, a self-imposed obligation to pen at least one column every other week. With another GOP primary election scheduled today (Feb 28) in Arizona and Michigan, during this Lenten season amidst an anemic U.S. economy, I thought of adding my thoughts on these timely and interesting topics on Prophets, Profits and Politics, not necessarily in that order of importance.
As the vast majority of my readers most likely are Christians (many are Catholics like me) this Season of Lent that started on Ash Wednesday when the priests and their Eucharistic Ministers like me put ashes into the foreheads of the faithful, reminding them to “Repent and believe in the gospel” it is quite apropos to take inventory of what we as Christians to take inventory of what we have (or don’t have) particularly during these difficult times and make the necessary fine tunings to make our lives worth living for. Metaphysically, it is healthy to pause and take minute vacations in our hectic lives to stop accumulating perishable “things” and unneeded calories and instead creating or finding some “empty spaces” in our lives to fill up with wholesome and more valuable things that really matter. So for the Christian world, the Lenten Season whose climax occurs after 40 days on Easter Sunday, is indeed an opportunity to be more reflective, generous and kinder to our fellow human beings.
The biblical readings in all the Christian churches this holy season of Lent will center on the teachings of Christ during His public life, His return to JerUSAlem, His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His passion and his triumphant resurrection. For us Christians these biblical events were not only amazing but incredibly mysterious, considering that they were prophesied by many Prophets, like Elijah thousands of years before Christ was born as a human being, suffered and then crucified and died for our redemption.
It is against this Lenten backdrop that I find it quite inspiring and titillating to analyze and comment as a neophyte “philosopher” on these current events in our world today that is quite preoccupied with the l business of profits and politics especially this presidential election year here in the United States.
* * *
The wide contrast between the GOP (Republicans) and the Democratic parties will be accentuated in the coming months as the Republicans will do their best to destroy the records of President Obama to force him to be just a one time (4-year) president, while the Democrats will scare us, the people, that the Republicans are there only to foster their selfish and vested interest, to remain the in the one percent mega-wealthy at the expense of the 99 percent, reminiscent of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. With the continuing debacle of the real estate industry that has caused millions of foreclosures and underwater properties ( when the mortgage is higher than the market value of said property) and the concomitant high unemployment (still hovering at around 10% nationwide) the victory of one party over the other will revolve on economic and financial issues popularized with that catchy phrase “It’s the economy, stupid!” A pragmatic voter will choose his candidate over the other candidates based on his personal conviction (or perception) that his choice will make his own personal economic condition better than what it is now.
As an Independent voter, I personally like a few of the Republican values of “self-responsibility”, lesser intrusion of the government into our private lives, LOWER taxes, and other conservative stands on some issues. But I also like some of Democratic values of pro-people, the poor and the marginalized. But both parties have apparently gone extreme to my dislike: the Republicans believe that they know it all, that they often appear to be self-righteous in many ways, while the Democrats seem to believe that the government can cure all the social problems of our people, often exacting HIGHER taxes just to dole out to many underserving poor people. The former advocates for limited government and the latter tends to expand government bureaucracies. The Democratic Party has created countless welfare or entitlement programs that many conservatives believe have made millions of American citizens lazier and dependent upon the dole outs of their “rich” Uncle Sam.
Other issues clearly divides the two parties, like the issue of gun control (second amendment rights) where the right (GOP) insists on no gun control, while the left (Democrats) favor some degree of gun control . On the abortion issue, the Republicans generally are pro-life, aka anti-abortion, and the Democrats are generally pro-choice aka pro-abortion. On the death penalty issue, the GOP is generally favor the death penalty despite that they are also pro-life or anti-abortion, while the Democrats are generally anti death penalty. The Gay and Lesbian (gay marriage) issue also divides the two parties, the Republicans generally are against gay marriages but the Democrats are often more tolerant and approve of gay marriages.
These issues are often considered “religious” issues too but they are NOT the only elements or factors why voters vote for one candidate over the other. As a Christian voter, I will factor these issues into my criteria of selecting my candidate but they will not the sole determinants why I will vote for one candidate over his opponent.
Another important factor, I believe, is the candidate’s economic platform or programs to resuscitate or improve this ailing economy that caused millions of people suffering financially. Their economic programs, especially on their strategies how to put the unemployed back to working again, of each candidate will be magnified and scrutinized more closely to find a good match with the voters’ expectations. Of equal importance, I think, are the candidate’s foreign policy proposals particularly in the arena of USA’s being involved in foreign wars (to protect American interests?) that have drained billions of tax dollars the last 10 years. The loss of thousands of lives and the resulting economic catastrophe since the invasion of Iraq and the current Afghanistan war have made millions of American sick and tired of America being the Big Police of the world.
****
My vote is only one vote but that one vote will join millions of votes to elect the next president of my adopted country. My fearless forecast is that Mitt Romney (a Mormon) will be the eventual GOP candidate, after months of serious challenges from several candidates, namely: Rick Santorum (a Catholic) and Newt Gingrich (a Catholic convert) and Ron Paul (my underdog favorite). Romney has many good ideas in business, economy and in tax reforms. Unfortunately, he is failing miserably to market himself well to many independents, the working class and the minorities, particularly the Latino voters (ironically he is also an American of Mexican descent) His record in business in making millions of money for himself and his investors is very exceptionally lucrative, but the question lingers: (and could be exploited by the Democrats) did his business success also enure to the common people especially the independents and minorities? Romney’s mantra of “More jobs, less debt, smaller government” resonates very well to the independents, business people as well as the so-called Reagan Democrats. If he can consolidate and unify the Republican base as he tries to go a little bit to the center, he will give Pres. Obama a tough fight this November.
On the other hand, re-electionist Barack Obama has done not- too-good-nor-too-bad a record (considering that the economy started to falter even before his assuming into office, and inherited US involvement in Iraq which many believe was a colossal blunder and in Afghanistan from Republican G.W. Bush) has a fair 50-50 chance to be reelected, provided that the unemployment will continue to go down, the interest rates remaining low and the coming home of American soldiers from abroad continues as planned. Some other factors are going in Obama’s favor: he has more money for his re-election campaign than any of his Republican opponents; the damage brought about by his administration’s birth-control-pills policy that infuriated faith based agencies, particularly the Catholic Church, happened early enough to rectify his political blunder; the successful annihilation of the “poster boys” of world terrorism namely Sadam Hussein and Osama bin Laden; the outster of Mubarak of Egypt in the Arab Spring and the expected fall of Assad of Syria and other despots and dictators in the world. Lastly, his choices of Cabinet members and appointments to the judiciary and military are also considered very good and quite inclusive in the American perspectives of culture and politics.
It will be a very interesting election year to follow and it will be a very close election unlike the landslide victory of Reagan over Carter in 1980. I challenge you, my readers, to follow the election drama and get involved in your own way as it will affect your future, especially if you are a living in this country that is seemingly losing its luster in the world the last several years.
---- 3 0 ----
Email writer: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or drbannatiran@yahoo.com
By
ERNIE DELFIN
PROPHETS, PROFITS AND POLITICS
It is raining now in Orange County that is making this day very conducive to work at home. It is also affording me the opportunity to finish this column, a self-imposed obligation to pen at least one column every other week. With another GOP primary election scheduled today (Feb 28) in Arizona and Michigan, during this Lenten season amidst an anemic U.S. economy, I thought of adding my thoughts on these timely and interesting topics on Prophets, Profits and Politics, not necessarily in that order of importance.
As the vast majority of my readers most likely are Christians (many are Catholics like me) this Season of Lent that started on Ash Wednesday when the priests and their Eucharistic Ministers like me put ashes into the foreheads of the faithful, reminding them to “Repent and believe in the gospel” it is quite apropos to take inventory of what we as Christians to take inventory of what we have (or don’t have) particularly during these difficult times and make the necessary fine tunings to make our lives worth living for. Metaphysically, it is healthy to pause and take minute vacations in our hectic lives to stop accumulating perishable “things” and unneeded calories and instead creating or finding some “empty spaces” in our lives to fill up with wholesome and more valuable things that really matter. So for the Christian world, the Lenten Season whose climax occurs after 40 days on Easter Sunday, is indeed an opportunity to be more reflective, generous and kinder to our fellow human beings.
The biblical readings in all the Christian churches this holy season of Lent will center on the teachings of Christ during His public life, His return to JerUSAlem, His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His passion and his triumphant resurrection. For us Christians these biblical events were not only amazing but incredibly mysterious, considering that they were prophesied by many Prophets, like Elijah thousands of years before Christ was born as a human being, suffered and then crucified and died for our redemption.
It is against this Lenten backdrop that I find it quite inspiring and titillating to analyze and comment as a neophyte “philosopher” on these current events in our world today that is quite preoccupied with the l business of profits and politics especially this presidential election year here in the United States.
* * *
The wide contrast between the GOP (Republicans) and the Democratic parties will be accentuated in the coming months as the Republicans will do their best to destroy the records of President Obama to force him to be just a one time (4-year) president, while the Democrats will scare us, the people, that the Republicans are there only to foster their selfish and vested interest, to remain the in the one percent mega-wealthy at the expense of the 99 percent, reminiscent of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. With the continuing debacle of the real estate industry that has caused millions of foreclosures and underwater properties ( when the mortgage is higher than the market value of said property) and the concomitant high unemployment (still hovering at around 10% nationwide) the victory of one party over the other will revolve on economic and financial issues popularized with that catchy phrase “It’s the economy, stupid!” A pragmatic voter will choose his candidate over the other candidates based on his personal conviction (or perception) that his choice will make his own personal economic condition better than what it is now.
As an Independent voter, I personally like a few of the Republican values of “self-responsibility”, lesser intrusion of the government into our private lives, LOWER taxes, and other conservative stands on some issues. But I also like some of Democratic values of pro-people, the poor and the marginalized. But both parties have apparently gone extreme to my dislike: the Republicans believe that they know it all, that they often appear to be self-righteous in many ways, while the Democrats seem to believe that the government can cure all the social problems of our people, often exacting HIGHER taxes just to dole out to many underserving poor people. The former advocates for limited government and the latter tends to expand government bureaucracies. The Democratic Party has created countless welfare or entitlement programs that many conservatives believe have made millions of American citizens lazier and dependent upon the dole outs of their “rich” Uncle Sam.
Other issues clearly divides the two parties, like the issue of gun control (second amendment rights) where the right (GOP) insists on no gun control, while the left (Democrats) favor some degree of gun control . On the abortion issue, the Republicans generally are pro-life, aka anti-abortion, and the Democrats are generally pro-choice aka pro-abortion. On the death penalty issue, the GOP is generally favor the death penalty despite that they are also pro-life or anti-abortion, while the Democrats are generally anti death penalty. The Gay and Lesbian (gay marriage) issue also divides the two parties, the Republicans generally are against gay marriages but the Democrats are often more tolerant and approve of gay marriages.
These issues are often considered “religious” issues too but they are NOT the only elements or factors why voters vote for one candidate over the other. As a Christian voter, I will factor these issues into my criteria of selecting my candidate but they will not the sole determinants why I will vote for one candidate over his opponent.
Another important factor, I believe, is the candidate’s economic platform or programs to resuscitate or improve this ailing economy that caused millions of people suffering financially. Their economic programs, especially on their strategies how to put the unemployed back to working again, of each candidate will be magnified and scrutinized more closely to find a good match with the voters’ expectations. Of equal importance, I think, are the candidate’s foreign policy proposals particularly in the arena of USA’s being involved in foreign wars (to protect American interests?) that have drained billions of tax dollars the last 10 years. The loss of thousands of lives and the resulting economic catastrophe since the invasion of Iraq and the current Afghanistan war have made millions of American sick and tired of America being the Big Police of the world.
****
My vote is only one vote but that one vote will join millions of votes to elect the next president of my adopted country. My fearless forecast is that Mitt Romney (a Mormon) will be the eventual GOP candidate, after months of serious challenges from several candidates, namely: Rick Santorum (a Catholic) and Newt Gingrich (a Catholic convert) and Ron Paul (my underdog favorite). Romney has many good ideas in business, economy and in tax reforms. Unfortunately, he is failing miserably to market himself well to many independents, the working class and the minorities, particularly the Latino voters (ironically he is also an American of Mexican descent) His record in business in making millions of money for himself and his investors is very exceptionally lucrative, but the question lingers: (and could be exploited by the Democrats) did his business success also enure to the common people especially the independents and minorities? Romney’s mantra of “More jobs, less debt, smaller government” resonates very well to the independents, business people as well as the so-called Reagan Democrats. If he can consolidate and unify the Republican base as he tries to go a little bit to the center, he will give Pres. Obama a tough fight this November.
On the other hand, re-electionist Barack Obama has done not- too-good-nor-too-bad a record (considering that the economy started to falter even before his assuming into office, and inherited US involvement in Iraq which many believe was a colossal blunder and in Afghanistan from Republican G.W. Bush) has a fair 50-50 chance to be reelected, provided that the unemployment will continue to go down, the interest rates remaining low and the coming home of American soldiers from abroad continues as planned. Some other factors are going in Obama’s favor: he has more money for his re-election campaign than any of his Republican opponents; the damage brought about by his administration’s birth-control-pills policy that infuriated faith based agencies, particularly the Catholic Church, happened early enough to rectify his political blunder; the successful annihilation of the “poster boys” of world terrorism namely Sadam Hussein and Osama bin Laden; the outster of Mubarak of Egypt in the Arab Spring and the expected fall of Assad of Syria and other despots and dictators in the world. Lastly, his choices of Cabinet members and appointments to the judiciary and military are also considered very good and quite inclusive in the American perspectives of culture and politics.
It will be a very interesting election year to follow and it will be a very close election unlike the landslide victory of Reagan over Carter in 1980. I challenge you, my readers, to follow the election drama and get involved in your own way as it will affect your future, especially if you are a living in this country that is seemingly losing its luster in the world the last several years.
---- 3 0 ----
Email writer: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or drbannatiran@yahoo.com
Monday, January 23, 2012
MY CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS & 2011 YEAR-END SOLILOQUY
THE METAMORPHOSIS
By Ernie Delfin
MY CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS & 2011 YEAR-END SOLILOQUY
The year 2011 in a few days will be a part of history. Most likely it can be considered a year as “the worst and the best of times” as many historic world events occurred in highly unpredictable ways. The unusual civil upheavals, now known as Arab Spring, that happened and still happening in Egypt, Libya, Syria and the continuing peace turmoils in Iraq, Afghanistan and Nigeria continue to dominate world news through Christmas day. Although these political and civil unrests may be disturbing or tragic, they are also providing needed catalyst for a new and better socio political landscape giving more freedom hopefully for the citizens of these countries.
The world witnessed many unforeseen changes as if all the “fears and hopes of the world” just converged during this Christmas season. Even, the USA that used to be the model and magnet of many countries continues to suffer its worst economic recession since the depression of the 1930’s. Highlighted by the Occupy Movement (of the 99% vs. the 1%) and fanned by the record profits of Wall Street at a time of massive unemployment and economic inequality is now taking center stage in the 2012 presidential campaign. Reading all these man-made problems often makes me wonder how people, like me, still can manage to be sane in our tupsy turvy world .
It’s good we have Christmas, when we Christians reflect on our own lives and still manage to see some silver linings in the horizon, sprinkling ounces of optimism for a better future amidst our own fears or insecurities. The life of Jesus, the Savior of those who believe in Him, and the teachings He left us still resonate to this day. His life and His pronouncements given to us Christians through his disciples force us to ponder on the meaning of our life here on earth. If you have crossed the midpoint of your life’s candle especially if you have become aware that you may be in your “pre-departure” area, you cannot help but be grateful everyday that you can still open your eyes when you wake up, hear the chirping of the birds, witness the growth of the seeds in your garden, walk, and play with your children’s children. Every day becomes a bonus especially if you remember that you have relatives, friends, associates who have departed into the life beyond in the recent past.
It is a sobering thought to accept that all men no matter how powerful and wealthy they are now, will not last forever. We came from dust and unto dust we shall return. My favorite passages of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 succinctly describes “that there is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens, a time to be born and, a time to die. . . . a time to love, and a time to hate, a time of war, and a time peace.” Nothing in this world is permanent.
With that global and personal perspectives, please allow me to share some random thoughts, my own Christmas reflections and year-end review and soliloquy, centering on the purpose and meaning of my own life, with the hope that some readers can be motivated to ponder or write their own review, based on their own set of values and experiences:
* MANY THINGS IN LIFE ARE STILL FREE. Having lived for over six decades ----from the years of material deprivations when the words: luxury, leisure or disposable income, did not even exist in my dictionary while in the Philippines into a relatively comfortable life of material “excesses” in America now -----makes me grateful and lucky to have undergone such a wonderful life’s metamorphosis. At this stage of my life, it is humbling and wise to also realize that many things on earth can still contribute to one’s enjoyment and positive outlook in life are still free. After man’s basic needs are met, another house or another expensive car or designer clothes may not be necessary to be real happy and fulfilled. Many simple things around us, all blessings from Above, can still make us happy, joyful or contented at no costs at all. For instance, a hundred times I have biked along the Santa Ana River bike trail to Newport Beach, walked leisurely with bare feet on the soft sand along the Pacific Ocean where nobody ever bothers you. The many visits I have made to the Wetland preservations, nature’s wilderness and the Big Bear Mountains and the grandiose Yosemite National Park and beautiful Lake Tahoe, where self-supporting birds and wild animals still live in peace, were rejuvenating to both body and spirit. Like sunshine, all of nature’s gifts are still there for everyone to enjoy.
* APOsTOLIC WORK. We also had our first “apo” (grandchild) named Olivia who gives us much happiness and make us do more physical activities this year. We realize that once you become a grandparent, another phase of your life commences as you are naturally sucked into doing that inevitable “APOstolic” work of taking care and playing with your “apo” Indeed, you inevitably witness many things that you might not have observed with your own children simply because you have now more time to savor and the patience (and wisdom?) to observe many childish and childlike deportment of a growing toddler, enjoying each minute of her innocent years when inhibitions, prejudices, hatred and taboos are still non existent. What a mysterious and wonderful lessons, we as adults can learn from babies!
* HOME SWEET HOME. The year 2011, despite all the “bad” news we read, was also very good for us, as we made some tough choices that enriched my family’s life. While we are healthy to walk and see, despite the great expense, my wife and I decided to travel to four European countries and experienced first hand what we just read in books or saw in the movies. Meeting old and new friends who hosted us in Europe made us realize the priceless value of human relationships, that reaffirmed that indeed we homo sapiens have more common thread that bind us than things that divide us. Those miles of walking in Vienna, Rome, London and Paris were quite tiresome but our eyes feasted on many historic sites centuries old landmarks. The totality of our 3-week experiences in the Old World made us more appreciative and grateful for many things we often take for granted in the United States. My wife summed it this way: “I missed our home, especially my bed and everything that surrounds us in California! “
* THE VALUE OF FAMILY. When everything in your world seems wrong, especially when you become sick and really need someone to keep you alive because you become incapacitated to do even the simple acts of daily living, then you realize the extreme value of your own family and real close relatives or friends. This year, I experienced a week of disability when I cannot even walk due to severe gout attack, unable to even cook or get my own food or water from the kitchen. Being sick is never fun but it is probably another life’s mystery that visits us to make us realize that you are not invincible after all. Indeed, you appreciate your family much more after nursing you back to your normal health, with their kindness and unconditional love.
* HUMANITARIAN WORK THROUGH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND CHURCH MINISTRIES. A line in the Jaycee Creeds says “Service to Humanity is the best work of life” and I find that very true. For many years now, I have been contributing some of my talents, time and treasure to a non-profit organizations, like the Rotary International, and volunteering in several ministries of my church, like the Pastoral Council, Social Justice Ministry and our Diocese Restorative Justice and Prison Ministry. Founding the Global Kalinga e-Rotary Club, a borderless Rotary Club, that is substantially internet based, has been lot of work with untold challenges. However, as its charter president, I find it quite fulfilling to see its gradual development into a viable NGO that can do some humanitarian works for the less fortunate in our society. Living out my faith through volunteerism completes my week and makes my life worth living. Can you ever imagine what kind of world we have now or can you quantify the number of really needy people without all the churches and NGO’s with millions of their membership silently rendering true Service Above Self, without expecting any reward or compensation?
* HAVING “LESS” CAN ALSO BE A BLESSING-IN-DISGUISE. Amidst all the socio-economic turmoils that many families in America are still confronted with, we can still make pallets of many good choices for our lives. With less disposable income in many family’s budgets (for us who belong to the 99%) we become more discriminating in our lifestyles, including our spending habits. Many family members have opted to live together to save money, rather than paying an extra mortgage or rent, thereby making them closer as one family --- helping one another to weather this prolonged economic tsunami. People go to the doctors for increased anxiety and depression but it is also said that more people also are going to churches and pray. People during this economic and financial downturn have become more practical , discriminating and choosy what are the true essentials in their family life. In many instances, I believe that these critical conscious choices will not only good for our body’s health but also for our mind, soul and spirit. .
* BOOKS, LIBRARY, ARTS AND MOVIES. I have not been a sports fanatic which is very economical for me as the costs of watching any “live” NBA basketball, or Super Bowl, including the parking and unhealthy popcorns are really prohibitive for the average person. Much less expensive hobbies, however, are to go to the bookstores or library, arts museum and going to the movies. The latter activities are even more entertaining and definitely more educational than any Lakers or Clippers game in Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles, or the Angels baseball game in their Angel’s Stadium, or a Hockey game in the Honda Center in Anaheim. Futhermore, driving to these sport centers may also give you headaches fighting the crazy traffic just going or leaving the area.
* PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH FRIENDS AND LOVERS. It is said that without healthy human interaction in our society, it will be extremely difficult for any person to reach his full potential. People need people to be happy. Even big businesses and the major banks now have created a job classification, called Relationship Marketing Officers, to help enhance their bottom line. The social media has grown exponentially due to this “cyberspace relationships” as evidenced by the popularity of FaceBook and Twitter. New words and phrases have been added to the 21st century dictionary to describe many of these “relationships” such as BFF for BestFriendForever and many more. The personal relationship or fellowship we develop and nurture with others has a direct correlation with our success and can add more meaning to our lives.
*LEAVING A LEGACY . Every human being craves to leave a legacy. Steven R. Covey, a best selling author describes Active Verbs in the 4TH Quadrants of live to have a fulfilling and balanced life: Live (Physical quadrant) Learn (Mental Quadrantl) Love (Mental Quadrant) and Leave a Legacy (Spiritual Quadrant) . The many books/authors in the library speak volumes of the legacies people have left for the world to learn and enjoy. Thomas Alva Edison, Mother Teresa, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Jose Rizal, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi are just a few names that have left priceless legacy for the betterment of our society. The kinds of legacy that these great people left behind will last forever vs. the material things left by people who have no “spiritual quadrant” Even the mega-achievers and super wealthy people like Steve Jobs has a lasting legacy for what he has done and for what he wants to be remembered. Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, the Rockefellers the Fords, and many successful people in business and politics have their Foundations to pursue and perpetuate their good works even after their physical life, to leave their lasting legacy to the world.
To end this last column of 2011, let me share a Metamorphosis’ “Food for Thought” taken from a poster in my library:
“One hundred years from now,
It won't matter what car I drove,
What kind of house I lived in,
How much I had in my bank account,
Nor what my clothes looked like,
But, the world may be a little better
Because I was important in the life of a child.”
* * * **
A GREAT, PROSPEROUS AND MEANINGFUL
NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!
--------------------------------------
Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or drbannatiran@yahoo.com
By Ernie Delfin
MY CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS & 2011 YEAR-END SOLILOQUY
The year 2011 in a few days will be a part of history. Most likely it can be considered a year as “the worst and the best of times” as many historic world events occurred in highly unpredictable ways. The unusual civil upheavals, now known as Arab Spring, that happened and still happening in Egypt, Libya, Syria and the continuing peace turmoils in Iraq, Afghanistan and Nigeria continue to dominate world news through Christmas day. Although these political and civil unrests may be disturbing or tragic, they are also providing needed catalyst for a new and better socio political landscape giving more freedom hopefully for the citizens of these countries.
The world witnessed many unforeseen changes as if all the “fears and hopes of the world” just converged during this Christmas season. Even, the USA that used to be the model and magnet of many countries continues to suffer its worst economic recession since the depression of the 1930’s. Highlighted by the Occupy Movement (of the 99% vs. the 1%) and fanned by the record profits of Wall Street at a time of massive unemployment and economic inequality is now taking center stage in the 2012 presidential campaign. Reading all these man-made problems often makes me wonder how people, like me, still can manage to be sane in our tupsy turvy world .
It’s good we have Christmas, when we Christians reflect on our own lives and still manage to see some silver linings in the horizon, sprinkling ounces of optimism for a better future amidst our own fears or insecurities. The life of Jesus, the Savior of those who believe in Him, and the teachings He left us still resonate to this day. His life and His pronouncements given to us Christians through his disciples force us to ponder on the meaning of our life here on earth. If you have crossed the midpoint of your life’s candle especially if you have become aware that you may be in your “pre-departure” area, you cannot help but be grateful everyday that you can still open your eyes when you wake up, hear the chirping of the birds, witness the growth of the seeds in your garden, walk, and play with your children’s children. Every day becomes a bonus especially if you remember that you have relatives, friends, associates who have departed into the life beyond in the recent past.
It is a sobering thought to accept that all men no matter how powerful and wealthy they are now, will not last forever. We came from dust and unto dust we shall return. My favorite passages of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 succinctly describes “that there is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens, a time to be born and, a time to die. . . . a time to love, and a time to hate, a time of war, and a time peace.” Nothing in this world is permanent.
With that global and personal perspectives, please allow me to share some random thoughts, my own Christmas reflections and year-end review and soliloquy, centering on the purpose and meaning of my own life, with the hope that some readers can be motivated to ponder or write their own review, based on their own set of values and experiences:
* MANY THINGS IN LIFE ARE STILL FREE. Having lived for over six decades ----from the years of material deprivations when the words: luxury, leisure or disposable income, did not even exist in my dictionary while in the Philippines into a relatively comfortable life of material “excesses” in America now -----makes me grateful and lucky to have undergone such a wonderful life’s metamorphosis. At this stage of my life, it is humbling and wise to also realize that many things on earth can still contribute to one’s enjoyment and positive outlook in life are still free. After man’s basic needs are met, another house or another expensive car or designer clothes may not be necessary to be real happy and fulfilled. Many simple things around us, all blessings from Above, can still make us happy, joyful or contented at no costs at all. For instance, a hundred times I have biked along the Santa Ana River bike trail to Newport Beach, walked leisurely with bare feet on the soft sand along the Pacific Ocean where nobody ever bothers you. The many visits I have made to the Wetland preservations, nature’s wilderness and the Big Bear Mountains and the grandiose Yosemite National Park and beautiful Lake Tahoe, where self-supporting birds and wild animals still live in peace, were rejuvenating to both body and spirit. Like sunshine, all of nature’s gifts are still there for everyone to enjoy.
* APOsTOLIC WORK. We also had our first “apo” (grandchild) named Olivia who gives us much happiness and make us do more physical activities this year. We realize that once you become a grandparent, another phase of your life commences as you are naturally sucked into doing that inevitable “APOstolic” work of taking care and playing with your “apo” Indeed, you inevitably witness many things that you might not have observed with your own children simply because you have now more time to savor and the patience (and wisdom?) to observe many childish and childlike deportment of a growing toddler, enjoying each minute of her innocent years when inhibitions, prejudices, hatred and taboos are still non existent. What a mysterious and wonderful lessons, we as adults can learn from babies!
* HOME SWEET HOME. The year 2011, despite all the “bad” news we read, was also very good for us, as we made some tough choices that enriched my family’s life. While we are healthy to walk and see, despite the great expense, my wife and I decided to travel to four European countries and experienced first hand what we just read in books or saw in the movies. Meeting old and new friends who hosted us in Europe made us realize the priceless value of human relationships, that reaffirmed that indeed we homo sapiens have more common thread that bind us than things that divide us. Those miles of walking in Vienna, Rome, London and Paris were quite tiresome but our eyes feasted on many historic sites centuries old landmarks. The totality of our 3-week experiences in the Old World made us more appreciative and grateful for many things we often take for granted in the United States. My wife summed it this way: “I missed our home, especially my bed and everything that surrounds us in California! “
* THE VALUE OF FAMILY. When everything in your world seems wrong, especially when you become sick and really need someone to keep you alive because you become incapacitated to do even the simple acts of daily living, then you realize the extreme value of your own family and real close relatives or friends. This year, I experienced a week of disability when I cannot even walk due to severe gout attack, unable to even cook or get my own food or water from the kitchen. Being sick is never fun but it is probably another life’s mystery that visits us to make us realize that you are not invincible after all. Indeed, you appreciate your family much more after nursing you back to your normal health, with their kindness and unconditional love.
* HUMANITARIAN WORK THROUGH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND CHURCH MINISTRIES. A line in the Jaycee Creeds says “Service to Humanity is the best work of life” and I find that very true. For many years now, I have been contributing some of my talents, time and treasure to a non-profit organizations, like the Rotary International, and volunteering in several ministries of my church, like the Pastoral Council, Social Justice Ministry and our Diocese Restorative Justice and Prison Ministry. Founding the Global Kalinga e-Rotary Club, a borderless Rotary Club, that is substantially internet based, has been lot of work with untold challenges. However, as its charter president, I find it quite fulfilling to see its gradual development into a viable NGO that can do some humanitarian works for the less fortunate in our society. Living out my faith through volunteerism completes my week and makes my life worth living. Can you ever imagine what kind of world we have now or can you quantify the number of really needy people without all the churches and NGO’s with millions of their membership silently rendering true Service Above Self, without expecting any reward or compensation?
* HAVING “LESS” CAN ALSO BE A BLESSING-IN-DISGUISE. Amidst all the socio-economic turmoils that many families in America are still confronted with, we can still make pallets of many good choices for our lives. With less disposable income in many family’s budgets (for us who belong to the 99%) we become more discriminating in our lifestyles, including our spending habits. Many family members have opted to live together to save money, rather than paying an extra mortgage or rent, thereby making them closer as one family --- helping one another to weather this prolonged economic tsunami. People go to the doctors for increased anxiety and depression but it is also said that more people also are going to churches and pray. People during this economic and financial downturn have become more practical , discriminating and choosy what are the true essentials in their family life. In many instances, I believe that these critical conscious choices will not only good for our body’s health but also for our mind, soul and spirit. .
* BOOKS, LIBRARY, ARTS AND MOVIES. I have not been a sports fanatic which is very economical for me as the costs of watching any “live” NBA basketball, or Super Bowl, including the parking and unhealthy popcorns are really prohibitive for the average person. Much less expensive hobbies, however, are to go to the bookstores or library, arts museum and going to the movies. The latter activities are even more entertaining and definitely more educational than any Lakers or Clippers game in Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles, or the Angels baseball game in their Angel’s Stadium, or a Hockey game in the Honda Center in Anaheim. Futhermore, driving to these sport centers may also give you headaches fighting the crazy traffic just going or leaving the area.
* PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH FRIENDS AND LOVERS. It is said that without healthy human interaction in our society, it will be extremely difficult for any person to reach his full potential. People need people to be happy. Even big businesses and the major banks now have created a job classification, called Relationship Marketing Officers, to help enhance their bottom line. The social media has grown exponentially due to this “cyberspace relationships” as evidenced by the popularity of FaceBook and Twitter. New words and phrases have been added to the 21st century dictionary to describe many of these “relationships” such as BFF for BestFriendForever and many more. The personal relationship or fellowship we develop and nurture with others has a direct correlation with our success and can add more meaning to our lives.
*LEAVING A LEGACY . Every human being craves to leave a legacy. Steven R. Covey, a best selling author describes Active Verbs in the 4TH Quadrants of live to have a fulfilling and balanced life: Live (Physical quadrant) Learn (Mental Quadrantl) Love (Mental Quadrant) and Leave a Legacy (Spiritual Quadrant) . The many books/authors in the library speak volumes of the legacies people have left for the world to learn and enjoy. Thomas Alva Edison, Mother Teresa, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Jose Rizal, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi are just a few names that have left priceless legacy for the betterment of our society. The kinds of legacy that these great people left behind will last forever vs. the material things left by people who have no “spiritual quadrant” Even the mega-achievers and super wealthy people like Steve Jobs has a lasting legacy for what he has done and for what he wants to be remembered. Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, the Rockefellers the Fords, and many successful people in business and politics have their Foundations to pursue and perpetuate their good works even after their physical life, to leave their lasting legacy to the world.
To end this last column of 2011, let me share a Metamorphosis’ “Food for Thought” taken from a poster in my library:
“One hundred years from now,
It won't matter what car I drove,
What kind of house I lived in,
How much I had in my bank account,
Nor what my clothes looked like,
But, the world may be a little better
Because I was important in the life of a child.”
* * * **
A GREAT, PROSPEROUS AND MEANINGFUL
NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!
--------------------------------------
Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or drbannatiran@yahoo.com
MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING: HIS HEROIC JOURNEY
THE METAMORPHOSIS
By
ERNIE D. DELFIN
MAN’S SEARCH FOR MEANNG: HIS HEROIC JOURNEY
Every person who has some knowledge of the Bible would know the bitter-sweet story of the prodigal son (Luke l5:11-32) Each human being, including this columnist, most likely will have his own “heroic journey” , like the prodigal son, who “left home” for whatever personal reasons that compelled him to do so, then lived in another place where he experienced many things, both good and bad, that eventually “changed” him as a person. Then for another set of reasons, he decided to “return home” and coming home a completely a “changed man!” In some journalistic parlance, each one of us, human beings, may also have experienced or undergone such a “heroic journey.” I think I have also undergone such “mid-life crises” (for a lack of a better word) phenomenon that I still do not fully understand but has accepted it as a part and parcel of life on earth.
This cycle of human life from infancy to adulthood (biblically, from conception to resurrection or from dust to dust) is as certain as the sunrise in the east and sunset in the west. Man’s journey is his alone to traverse, to enjoy or to suffer. His life’s journey can be bad or good, depending on how he does with it. It can be beautiful despite all the obstacles and thorns that may come his way, as long as he discovers his own “treasure” and finds the meaning of his life along the way to his final destination.
In his classic book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Dr. Victor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor wrote: “ The WILL TO MEANING is the basic striving of man to find and fulfill meaning and purpose in life. Man is reaching out for the world - a world, which is replete with other beings to encounter and meanings to fulfill…. The purpose is to give meaning to life...the individual...wants to create values...the human being has a primary or native orientation in the directions of creating and of values.”
A man therefore must take minute vacations to ponder and evaluate his own life, to always re-define what a “good life” means to him. Socrates once wrote: “An unexamined life is not worth living for.” When I was one and twenty, I never understood that short admonition from this great philosopher. Four decades later, now that I am a grandpa, I have a clearer understanding of Socrates’ advice, that has helped me chart what my “good life” should be.
Such evaluation or definition of a good life is quite personal and unique. Society’s definition is quite different from philosophers’ definition simply because society often measures a good life or success with a different yard stick that is normally associated with the pursuit of happiness by the acquisition of earthly power and fame. Many people of my generation have now passed the high noon mark in the clock of their earthly life. Some are now gazing at the sunset of their lives in the horizon. An honest reflection of one’s life evokes an inexplicable emotion that creates a mixed feeling of morbid thoughts and a feeling of an orgasmic release that could also bring some degree of tranquility and peace deep within.
I have read and now believe that there is a real “heaven on earth” when a person is at peace within himself and is aligned to that Almighty Power who created all things, Who found all of His Creations, including you and me, very good. There seems to be an invisible magnet available for all of us to follow that path towards Heaven or “Enlightenment” as some philosophers call it. Whatever and wherever that path to our (heroic) journey lies, you have to find it, and then own it. Each man must seek answers to his own questions as no one else can answer that for him.
My life’s values and priorities will not be identical to any one, like my finger prints are quite different even to my own brothers’ and sisters’ although we came from the same parents. So, are my spouse and my two adult children. Surrendering that I will never fully understand all these human drama unfolding before me, from the time of my birth to the last day of my life is empowering as it blows away the toxins of anxiety . It also serves as the oxygen tank that allows me to breathe fully and freely. It’s a life mystery that I’ve learned to accept.
This act of humility of accepting my own limitations, vulnerability and mortality has helped me re-define what is the true meaning and purpose of my own life. What is a “good life” (or heaven) for me?
What the heart yearns, what the soul aspires and what the mind’s predominant thoughts are, will serve as the true north compass that guides man’s direction. The Good Book says: “for where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” . The focus of the mind, heart and spirit then becomes the shuttle of one’s desires and ultimately defines what his “good life” is. As it is inherently personalized, no one can fathom its own meaning but the man himself. The common thread, however, is that very decade or so, the answer changes with age and maturity. When we were young, to finish college was the most important goal. After college, to have a good job and excellent salary or have a good business to provide our material needs was paramount. Then, to start a family and live happily ever after. What a myth!
Once you have a family, another set of challenges arrives: the young kids’ health and welfare, then schooling, then coping up with the concomitant problems or challenges of teenage children. Then, their own expensive college years that parents normally support. And the cycle of life continues and is repeated in every generation.
When you are lucky to pass the mid-century mark or reach a fully ripe age of 80’s or longer, like many healthy seniors now, life can be good if you have gradually fine-tuned your life’s priorities and values in alignment to a higher calling beyond just existing, eating and watching TV, like sharing your life with the least of your brethren and rendering true service above self without counting the costs.
A retired friend of mine describes it beautifully: “When I was young, what I have accomplished and accumulated served as my trophy which defined me. Now, that I can no longer drive any of my cars, I have given them away which was a great relief by letting go. Sharing a part of what I have, my experience and time with others was quite liberating and makes my life worth living for. When I wake up in the morning and still can smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and still can read the morning paper, and walking in the garden and picking up some fruits and feeding the birds are simple joys that I used to take for granted. In my youth, working in he field was like working in prison, now working in my garden is like walking in paradise.”
AMEN to that, my dear friend! Indeed, our life is a mystery to be lived, and not a problem to be solved. Life’s purpose is to live, to learn, to love and to leave a legacy!
-----30----
The Metamorphosis’ Food for Thought this month:
“ A man is born, goes to school, finishes college, has a good job, marries, buys a house, have children, then, retires with good retirement income and eventually dies! Is this all there is to our life?”
An entry in my diary
“Your life is God’s gift to you, what you do with your life is your gift to God!”
Anonymous
“ Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you!”
Steve Jobs in his commencement speech
in 2005 at Stanford University
Email columnist at: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or
drbannatiran@yahoo.com
By
ERNIE D. DELFIN
MAN’S SEARCH FOR MEANNG: HIS HEROIC JOURNEY
Every person who has some knowledge of the Bible would know the bitter-sweet story of the prodigal son (Luke l5:11-32) Each human being, including this columnist, most likely will have his own “heroic journey” , like the prodigal son, who “left home” for whatever personal reasons that compelled him to do so, then lived in another place where he experienced many things, both good and bad, that eventually “changed” him as a person. Then for another set of reasons, he decided to “return home” and coming home a completely a “changed man!” In some journalistic parlance, each one of us, human beings, may also have experienced or undergone such a “heroic journey.” I think I have also undergone such “mid-life crises” (for a lack of a better word) phenomenon that I still do not fully understand but has accepted it as a part and parcel of life on earth.
This cycle of human life from infancy to adulthood (biblically, from conception to resurrection or from dust to dust) is as certain as the sunrise in the east and sunset in the west. Man’s journey is his alone to traverse, to enjoy or to suffer. His life’s journey can be bad or good, depending on how he does with it. It can be beautiful despite all the obstacles and thorns that may come his way, as long as he discovers his own “treasure” and finds the meaning of his life along the way to his final destination.
In his classic book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Dr. Victor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor wrote: “ The WILL TO MEANING is the basic striving of man to find and fulfill meaning and purpose in life. Man is reaching out for the world - a world, which is replete with other beings to encounter and meanings to fulfill…. The purpose is to give meaning to life...the individual...wants to create values...the human being has a primary or native orientation in the directions of creating and of values.”
A man therefore must take minute vacations to ponder and evaluate his own life, to always re-define what a “good life” means to him. Socrates once wrote: “An unexamined life is not worth living for.” When I was one and twenty, I never understood that short admonition from this great philosopher. Four decades later, now that I am a grandpa, I have a clearer understanding of Socrates’ advice, that has helped me chart what my “good life” should be.
Such evaluation or definition of a good life is quite personal and unique. Society’s definition is quite different from philosophers’ definition simply because society often measures a good life or success with a different yard stick that is normally associated with the pursuit of happiness by the acquisition of earthly power and fame. Many people of my generation have now passed the high noon mark in the clock of their earthly life. Some are now gazing at the sunset of their lives in the horizon. An honest reflection of one’s life evokes an inexplicable emotion that creates a mixed feeling of morbid thoughts and a feeling of an orgasmic release that could also bring some degree of tranquility and peace deep within.
I have read and now believe that there is a real “heaven on earth” when a person is at peace within himself and is aligned to that Almighty Power who created all things, Who found all of His Creations, including you and me, very good. There seems to be an invisible magnet available for all of us to follow that path towards Heaven or “Enlightenment” as some philosophers call it. Whatever and wherever that path to our (heroic) journey lies, you have to find it, and then own it. Each man must seek answers to his own questions as no one else can answer that for him.
My life’s values and priorities will not be identical to any one, like my finger prints are quite different even to my own brothers’ and sisters’ although we came from the same parents. So, are my spouse and my two adult children. Surrendering that I will never fully understand all these human drama unfolding before me, from the time of my birth to the last day of my life is empowering as it blows away the toxins of anxiety . It also serves as the oxygen tank that allows me to breathe fully and freely. It’s a life mystery that I’ve learned to accept.
This act of humility of accepting my own limitations, vulnerability and mortality has helped me re-define what is the true meaning and purpose of my own life. What is a “good life” (or heaven) for me?
What the heart yearns, what the soul aspires and what the mind’s predominant thoughts are, will serve as the true north compass that guides man’s direction. The Good Book says: “for where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” . The focus of the mind, heart and spirit then becomes the shuttle of one’s desires and ultimately defines what his “good life” is. As it is inherently personalized, no one can fathom its own meaning but the man himself. The common thread, however, is that very decade or so, the answer changes with age and maturity. When we were young, to finish college was the most important goal. After college, to have a good job and excellent salary or have a good business to provide our material needs was paramount. Then, to start a family and live happily ever after. What a myth!
Once you have a family, another set of challenges arrives: the young kids’ health and welfare, then schooling, then coping up with the concomitant problems or challenges of teenage children. Then, their own expensive college years that parents normally support. And the cycle of life continues and is repeated in every generation.
When you are lucky to pass the mid-century mark or reach a fully ripe age of 80’s or longer, like many healthy seniors now, life can be good if you have gradually fine-tuned your life’s priorities and values in alignment to a higher calling beyond just existing, eating and watching TV, like sharing your life with the least of your brethren and rendering true service above self without counting the costs.
A retired friend of mine describes it beautifully: “When I was young, what I have accomplished and accumulated served as my trophy which defined me. Now, that I can no longer drive any of my cars, I have given them away which was a great relief by letting go. Sharing a part of what I have, my experience and time with others was quite liberating and makes my life worth living for. When I wake up in the morning and still can smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and still can read the morning paper, and walking in the garden and picking up some fruits and feeding the birds are simple joys that I used to take for granted. In my youth, working in he field was like working in prison, now working in my garden is like walking in paradise.”
AMEN to that, my dear friend! Indeed, our life is a mystery to be lived, and not a problem to be solved. Life’s purpose is to live, to learn, to love and to leave a legacy!
-----30----
The Metamorphosis’ Food for Thought this month:
“ A man is born, goes to school, finishes college, has a good job, marries, buys a house, have children, then, retires with good retirement income and eventually dies! Is this all there is to our life?”
An entry in my diary
“Your life is God’s gift to you, what you do with your life is your gift to God!”
Anonymous
“ Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you!”
Steve Jobs in his commencement speech
in 2005 at Stanford University
Email columnist at: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or
drbannatiran@yahoo.com
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