I don't remember ever having a post-birthday date(s) and receiving a really nice post-birthday present.
Today, I went out on one and got the most overwhelming post-birthday presents that I could ever imagine.
An old High School friend and I have been planning for a coffee date for over a year. But our schedules never met. We occasionally exchange messages over Facebook (the wonders of social networks!). And as always we leave notes about that coffee date.
Finally, a date was set by another friend to meet with some other friends and have dinner. It was meant to be a small get-together to catch up and have fun. But then, everybody canceled out on the last minute. But me and my friend are still good to go. So, finally our coffee date comes to reality.
Little did I know that something truly amazing is in store for me on this date.
More than the exchange of pleasantries, we launched into a conversation that has made me realize that for the longest time, I have been taking for granted a very important thing in my life. I have been living the last few years of my life full of fears, insecurities, loneliness, and uncertainties. Amidst all the good things and blessings surrounding me, I still felt lost. I seem to be longing for and lacking something.
My friend, on the other hand, seem to be really living a good life. I can see it in her. More than the good fortune, the stable career, and happy family, there was something really good (and steady) in and about her. I can't help but tell my friend that she looks even more beautiful than I remember her. She sweetly smiled and began sharing her secret why she is overflowing with radiance inside and out.
It all comes from a Greater Power. And the only True Strength that Man will ever need. This radiance is all because of surrendering everything and putting your trust to the Lord.
She told me about how God worked in a very mysterious way by giving her the gift of life in exchange for facing the greatest fear that she has always dreaded of.
She told me about how each time she boards and alights their plane that she prays to God and entrusts everything to Him.
She told me about that crucial time during a natural calamity and she was away from her family that she resigned to God and left it in His Will that her family will be safe.
She told me about the times when she goes to her room and talk to God whenever she feels troubled and helpless.
She told me about those walks she took just to admire the beautiful skies- the joy of witnessing God's power through His wonderful creation.
She told me that God is only waiting for man to open his heart's door. He has always been there waiting. And He will never get tired of it.
She made me realize that God never left me during those times that I felt I was alone. God was carrying me through every trial that I went through. That is why it has been an easy journey for me. Even if I felt that it was the end of me.
I've always thought that God gave me all the pitfalls and burdens in my life to make my life miserable. I doubted and questioned Him. But these are His ways of showing me that He loves me. That I am a truly strong person and I just need to trust Him through it all.
As my friend talked and shared with me all these, I suddenly found myself in tears. I was crying real hard but inside I felt really light. What I really felt was God's loving presence. I can feel Him knocking at my door again. I can feel Him reaching for my hand and waiting.
And finally, after all these years of living by my own strength or depending on other people to be strong for me, I found myself finally opening my door and then reaching out as well
With this open door and His guiding hand, all the wonders of this Life and even Beyond are now available for me. I will travel the remaining days of my life with full trust in the Lord. I know that He will not just walk with me but He will carry me every step of the way.
I was beyond gratitude for seeing my old High School friend again. But she lovingly told me, that it was not her that I should thank- but God. She was just a Messenger. God sent me another Angel disguised as my old High School friend.
God gave me an unexpected date and sent me the most wonderful post-birthday presents.
A rekindled friendship. A new beginning. A new hope. And a new heart.
I don't think I will have another post-birthday dinner/coffee date like this ever again. But what I am sure of is that this was truly no ordinary date. This is definitely one-of-a-kind and heaven sent.
