The God things in life are free

Christmas raffles are only fun for people who draw the big prizes.

Yesterday, I certainly hit the jackpot but that’s only part of the story.

Ever since I became a working professional, I was always one of those prize-less victims of Christmas parties. This realization became all the more painful in the last few years where raffles prizes at “media events” have become bigger and more expensive.

Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not a “material boy”. Perhaps more than anything I simply am a child at heart who loves games and winning prizes. In fact, I still remember my Mom saying how lucky my Dad and she were, whenever they played bingo at the National Press Club.

Her statement was not an encouragement to play games of chance. It was a way of saying that blessings come in different ways and different forms, but God always blesses those he loves.

That was in the early ’60s when they were a struggling couple with a growing family. Money was not easy to come by and bingo games were still fun, decent, and socially accepted. If I remember correctly that was where they won our first stereo receiver and a vacuum cleaner.

Clearly, God favored those who didn’t have appliances.

In my case, I have to confess that I became a citizen of the Enchanted Kingdom at a very young age. Thanks to an imaginary singing insect named Jimmy Cricket, I received my indoctrination and learned the Disneyland theme song, “When you wish upon a star”.

 Being too young to understand and appreciate faith and prayer, Jimmy Cricket’s inspirational song to Pinocchio was the equivalent of a promise passed on to children willing to believe. I did and I always have.

Through the years I would sing the song in good times and in bad. Even as I grew up in a real relationship with God and Jesus Christ, the Disney theme song never left my heart:

“When you wish upon a star. Makes no difference who you are.

Anything your heart desires will come to you.

If your heart is in your dream, No request is too extreme.

When you wish upon a star as dreamers do…

Theme songs never leave our hearts, but little children grow up. Even Peter Pan learned that, as I did. Unfortunately growing up somehow takes our heart away from our dreams.

This year however, I went through two experiences where God clearly showed me that “the God things in life are free”.

Early in the year, I had an unexplained desire to find a junk and rusted 1965 Mustang Fastback just like my father once had. It was strange since I had one and traded it for something else. Being a bit confused, I simply lifted the idea to God in prayer.

In the mean time, I started inquiring what my chances were of finding such a car and at a price I could afford. Everybody said: “slim and none”. I felt like the black knight had come to the enchanted kingdom and threw down a challenge. Almost immediately I was in “seek and you will find, Ask and it shall be given to you” mode.

In two months time I found two cars, beaten and banged up, rusted and rotting. But the best of all, the price was fair. They were now “the apple of my eyes”. The only problem was every time I had the money something more important sucked it away.

I actually started asking God if I should simply give it up or was it possible that I was not meant to do the project after all? Just then I remember what my wife Karen once told me: “If God showed you where to find the car, I’m sure God will also show you how to find the money.”

Well, one day, my friend Manny Dimaculangan dropped by and casually asked about Mustangs. Seems he also had the desire but could never find anything reasonably priced. Long story short, Manny bought my option on the better car by paying for my “Lazarus” project. In return, I promised to help him with his project.

God did not show me where to get the money. He did better. He gave it to me for free via Manny D.

The second story started sometime during storm Ondoy, when the television for our houseboy finally fell apart. At a time when money could be better spent helping others, I decided to simply give them the TV from our living room.

It turned out to be quite a sacrifice for me since it was my alternative viewing option whenever my wife and daughter refuse to switch channels on our last remaining TV. Without the other TV, riding the exercise bike became truly being boring.

Week upon week I checked out the papers passed by appliance stores. I even networked with friends in search of a replacement. But even with the ease of payment for 12 months at zero interest on credit, I felt like there were no approving voices from the heavens.

Yesterday, as I left to attend the Tuesday Club Christmas party I made a joke by saying: “I’m going out to buy a TV as a Christmas gift to myself”. She smiled and said go ahead.

As I wolfed down a nice breakfast at the party, Manong Tony Katigbak announced that next to be drawn for the raffle was a 32” LCD TV donated by Governor Joey Salceda. They drew the winning name: “ And the 32” TV goes to…..the guy who’s been waving his hand!

ME.

It was not luck. It was God. And it was free!