Working Under Grace

It irritates me all too much when I see individuals who always come up with excuses why they do not have any means of earning to feed their family or even when they do not get to find the right job to do. My say to this is that sometimes we always just have too many excuses to come up with when our hearts are not truly set into the goals we are trying to achieve.

These past few days I have been taking my time to work less compared to the seasons of my working life when I wake up early and sleep late writing. I appreciate it greatly when I am given the extra time to rest early, watch television, cuddle my dogs, or even update our blog. But this does not mean that I hate working.

I think working hard and on the double turns bad when we exchange it for other aspects of our lives that weigh far greater than the money we can earn like spending time with our loved ones. At the same time though, it can help to remember that God has nothing against human effort since hard work even honors God. Hard work only becomes a cover up that God cannot provide for our everyday needs when we depend all our lives on our work.

Despite all the perseverance all of us may be showing in these times of economic hardships, it is still important that we have enough rest and a lot of spiritual refreshment. But this should not be an excuse to be lazy. To strike the right balance between working and trusting God is what we need to do along with times of resting as well while trusting Him still.

Our Dogs’ First Road Stop: Zambales

A few years ago, I remember myself turning down Dori each time she would tell me to go for an outing with Pio or other friends who would also bring their own kids.  It was one of our leading topics for our arguments that seldom happen. My reason: I find our travel time together as a way to get away from all the stress of work and family life and get to reconnect with our true selves and appreciate the blessings of the Lord to us both. 

However, at the back of my mind then, it was clear to me that I only needed time to realize and prepare that I am really entering a new phase in my life – this part where I am motivated to be responsible, all the more mature, and selfless. Here comes now the time that the level of happiness me and Dori enjoy is not anymore limited to the two of us, but extends to many. It is not just with Pio this time but also with my disabled aunt Tita Ubeng and our four loving and intelligent dogs – Attack, Ready, Getsy and Go-Go. 

Here are my most favorite moments during our first road trip with the dogs as we head to Anawangin Cove. 

Subic Stop-over

Dori with our (twin-like) dogs Go-Go and Getsy

Attack's nervous look during his first boat ride

Go-Go inside her fence cage at Anawangin Cove

Getsy and Ready done eating sand :p

With the four dogs and Tita Ubeng

The trip was not perfect at all for stress was definitely here and there. In fact, I always kid Dori about comparing our situation with shows like John and Kate Plus Eight. It is that chaotic but this is where you learn and appreciate the best lessons in life you could ever learn. 

Yes, I still do miss occasionally traveling alone with Dori. But somehow, now, we do not feel more complete than spending our blessings with the family we call our own. Even if it means it is composed of a mentally retard, a reading disabled kid, and four children which all have fur and paws. 

We are blessed. 

Looking forward to more of our dog road trips.