Above all, gratitude

As tradition goes, many news outlets will be dishing out their serving of “year-ender features” where they do a review of the big stories, important events or the rare positive accomplishment by an individual or outfit. Chances are this would involve a favorite basketball team, individual athlete or survivors of a disaster or war.

This year’s ender will be no different from others because human history and behavior are never changing. We have two ongoing wars to pick from, we have the Gilas and Green Archers to glean positive stories from, the fight between Speaker Romualdez and Vice President Duterte, several floods and typhoons and we even have a survivor who got out alive after being held hostage by Hamas terrorists. Yes, the Filipinos had their fair serving of tragedy but very little in terms of triumph.

As I began working on this year-ender column, I was reminded of what Mr. Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation recently said when asked what the highlight of the year was. “That I’m healthy. That you are all healthy.” Not sexy, not sensational, definitely not headline-worthy, some editors would even say not quote-worthy. But all of us would have no second thoughts wanting good health over P100 million but only six months to live.

Even more people would rather keep a low paying job for six to 12 months more than a month’s vacation, while others would willingly give up their job just to spend one more week or month with someone who recently passed away. I know Lolos and Lolas who are presently gazing at photos of their grandchildren abroad and wishing they could just get on a plane to play with or be “yaya” to their apos. They say that such choices and priorities are relative and often realized in hindsight, and all we can do is make the best out of the situation.

Last week, I finally got confirmation of something I sensed would certainly happen a year or so ago – our TV program AGENDA would end today, Dec. 29, 2023. No one wanted to be the bearer of bad news despite the fact that all the signs were “written on the wall.” The good thing about such prolonged agony is that you can finally deal with the “moving on” part. I was honestly glad to be “hinted” before the year ended rather than start 2024 with a spoiler alert.

Consequently, the mind goes through a carousel of possible responses. Anyone who goes through any type of loss (they say) initially reacts with anger, denial, grief and finally acceptance. What those experts don’t mention much is “gratitude.” To be honest, it was counter intuitive to be grateful but as I reflected on the choice, it sort of grew on me, so much so that Team Agenda decided to do a two-week long Pamama-alam or farewell series with people who supported the program through the last five years and a half.

As we all say goodbye to 2023, I figured what better way than to remind everyone to do their own “year-ender” with gratitude. I know quite a number of people who are grateful to have experienced the accidental discovery of a small bump that turned out to be cancerous, that got them confined, underwent expensive surgeries or cancer treatment and the sleepless nights of fear and worry. But in spite of their odds, many of them are grateful to be home or to be surrounded by long missed loved ones at their side. Yes, they are grateful for each day of life.

While the prospects of being “retired” or unemployed in 2024 may be disconcerting, I am one of many who are grateful not just for the job on TV but more so for the other jobs and opportunities that came our way, especially those brought by persons who are not in our closest circle. Among the things to be grateful for are lessons learned from life and others. Being relational more than transactional has created closer ties and blessings along the way.

Speaking of blessings, we often think in terms of what we get but less of what we give. But in 2023 I was constantly grateful for the opportunities that my wife Karen and I had to bless others. It was not always material in nature but even more valuable: our time and prayers. I have spent countless hours “chatting, counseling, making tambay” and making time for more elderly folks, young individuals, friends who were struggling emotionally, professionally or relationally. You can have all the money you need but that won’t buy you peace or significance. But when someone makes time for you, prays for you, they are saying: “YOU matter.”

My pastor friends will most likely disagree with me but one of the things I believe and am thankful for was God’s tolerant grace and favor in my hobbies or passions. I confess that through my life I have had all sorts of hobbies where I became borderline obsessive. Whether it was aquarium fish keeping, collecting orchids, restoring vintage cars and, in recent years, raising and breeding gamefowls.

My friends would often comment how “lucky” I was in finding the rare stuff, the one of a kind or being in the company of serious players who would share or sell items to me. It has nothing to do with luck, but with the tolerant grace and favor of God, who has blessed me as any loving father does. I am seriously grateful for this.

Whether it is your spouse, parents, children or your last paycheck, be Grateful and believe – God loves you and will provide for all your needs. Happy New Year!!!

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