Song of Years

It is good to be idle once in a while because you learn to appreciate all the things you have done and will do.

I am actually savoring my vacation now. For the whole month of July, I have been very busy. There was not a weekend night that I spent at home. But those moments were really worth it.

One time, I spent it on a beach underneath the stars. Lightning was flashing on the horizon. The smell of the sea was intoxicating. The sound of the waves splashing on the shore was lulling. If you look long enough at that great big canopy, you can actually catch glimpses of falling stars. I did not dare wish upon them though. They were so fast, I could barely finish 2 words before they fade. Besides, I stopped wishing upon them a long time ago. I learned that it isn't the stars that grant my wishes, it's the One beyond them.

This is the 14th poem I composed during the Silent Hour of the Crossroad Retreat held at Bundok Aninaw, Camanga Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur last October 29, 2010 .

Finally, after 4 years, I was able to write a poem again and mind, the words came out automatically and very few erasures only - a testament that when God indeed speaks, there is no stopping Him.

May you be blessed as I was.

In the road that you're traveling,
Do not be afraid
For My love is unending
My comfort will aid


Be it smooth or rocky,
hilly or plain,
Be it clear or murky
My love will remain

In my college years, I stayed with my aunt who had a son. Since we were of the same age, Ben and I always hang out together. He would strum his guitar (which he was very good at) and I would always be the singer. As all music lovers have, he has a collection of songbooks which I always use in our little gigs.

One day, I happened to come across this song. I was so struck with the title that when I read the lyrics, I instantly fell in love with it. Since no one knew it's melody and Youtube wasn't the fad then, it was only about a year ago that I finally learned how to sing it.

I have always believed that there are no accidents. I have read countless books (some were even near-death experiences) which convinced me that everything happens for a purpose and that before we were born, God already ordained the days of our lives.

But lately, I started doubting that.

I felt distant to my Maker. Questions run through my mind: Is He indeed the God who sees things even before they occur? Why aren't things happening the way I want them to happen? Is He really the God who always gives us the best? Does He really know my dreams? Does He even consider the plans I made or does He just leafs through my prayer list then dumps them? Is He interested? Does He even care?