Work, Life and Ministry

2017 went really fast. I thought I just celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago, but as I look on the calendar, it is almost end of the year. Looking back on the year that was, I just wanted to thank God for everything that had happened throughout the year.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)

There are a lot of things happened for the past year, most of which made and helped me to be a better version of myself. Without the triumphs and challenges I faced, I would not be the person I am today. Everything happened in the right time and season of my life.

Work, life and ministry, 3 things that would probably sum up my 2017. Let me share to you what  happened along the way:

WORK & LIFE

2017 has been a great year for me. My work provided avenues to make me better professionally, thus giving me a little boost of confidence whenever at work. Life has been fair for me, making me stronger each day, through the challenges I faced each day, though there are times that I really wanted to give up. But thank God that He is always with me as I rise up in every occasion.   Whether what happened, I know and felt that everything contributed in my growth and depth as well, in terms of being a young professional.

MINISTRY

This year has been my most active year as a volunteer at church, and some of my closest friends can attest to that. I can be seen almost everywhere. I almost go home everyday late at night. I came to the point of being exhausted and asked myself why. Some of my mentors also asked me to slow down and take things according to its priority. I had a hard time coping up and it took me some months to finally learn and apply that important lesson. I thank God for giving and surrounding me with people who never gave up on me and who are always there to pray for me. I was able to overcome this obstacle.

Having said that, everything that had happened makes me look forward for 2018. Are you looking forward for the coming year?

I am looking forward for the coming year as I am eager to see how God will move in and through me. As early as conceptualizing this blog, I already had some faith goals in mind that I would like to pray for to happen. I’m expecting and at the same time preparing myself for the things that are yet to come next year.

From work, to life and to ministry, a lot of things contributed for my development and growth this year as a young professional working abroad and as a volunteer and leader at church. Here are some the things that I learned for the past year.

• Humbleness (not prideful)

Being humble is marked by being modest in behavior, attitude and spirit, not arrogant or prideful. This helped me to always give my best in everything I do, without expecting something in return, that it is Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13) everyday to carry on each task, face challenges and celebrate the triumphs after.

• Openness (not isolation)

As I nurture my relationships with the people whom God placed in my life, I am trying to be more open and letting down the walls (shame and insecurities) I built myself. I can openly share to them a few things, which I never imagined that I would be able to tell them. By being open to my mentors, a stronger relationship was built and I pray and hope that this will be a start for more and be able to contribute for our growth. (Proverbs 27:17)

• Perseverance (not giving up)

Our lives are not meant to be storm free, but rather storm proof. This is one of the lessons I will forever treasure as I continue to seek God every day of my life. Amidst of the trials I experience, I always remember why I am running this race of life. (Hebrews 12:1)

• Excellence (not mediocre)

Being the best version of ourselves is not easily achievable. We have to persevere, jump off each hurdle in a particular season of our lives. But as we progress, we need also to evaluate everything (ourselves and the things surrounding us). Focus is also important as we do these things. I learned to always fix your eyes to the One who gave us everything.  (Hebrew 12:2)

Aside from the lessons, many people have inspired me to continue to persevere, honor and serve God by using the talents He has given me and I am forever grateful with these people who have spoken into my life since the day that I followed God.

HOPE (humbleness, openness, perseverance and excellence) played a vital part in my walk with God this year, hoping that God will bring out the best in me and for you also, by putting our trust in Him because he will make everything okay.