Jan. 12, 2013 - ONE OF GOD'S FAVORITES

                 One  Of  God's  Favorites


When grey shadows start to turn into a deeper hue 
At the threshold of a world that is completely new
Beyond the reach of the caprice of Time
Will I always treasure my identity as God designed.

At this juncture, I will not make a turnabout
From the belief I have held on since it did sprout
That I am one of God's favorites, you should know
By the many ways He has made my life glow.

I was born in a home modest and secure
With family love that so long endured
Parents who indulged on their offsprings with care
Strict discipline enforced but gentle and fair.

The bond that ruled parents and siblings alike
Was a faith in God, strong with unwavering might
Nourished by a mother's devotion, truly sky-high
Till the day she said a tearful, "Goodbye."

My school life was remarkably commendable
Because I had siblings who were most capable
To guide and help me develop study skills
And inspire me to exert my best, minus the frills.

The total trust in God I have long nurtured
I released control of my life to Him without question
Confident that He loves me like a sheep in pasture
The abundant life He promised was my portion.

My life-long partner He picked with special care
One close to Him, we were a Catholic pair
A humble, loving man who pampered me too much
In many ways, that others said, "Oh, what a catch!"

God blessed us with children worthy of praise
For their "clean" lives through teen years and adulthood maze
I hope and pray that our legacy of faith
They will persevere to embrace through life's tempestuous days.

My career traced a path only God could have laid
Out of my teaching job events moved and swayed
To represent my country of birth in international forums
I never imagined possible despite proper decorum.

It all started when a United Nations team made a selection
From many nations' candidates with pure intention
To join a UN Scholarship Program on Shipping
During an era when the field was but a newspaper clipping.

My being chosen as the only woman scholar 
From eighteen countries was an honor far above the dollar
So I worked doubly hard to prove my competence
In a field dominated by men  of sheer excellence.

Upon my appointment as Director, Overseas Shipping
Temptations to wallow in wealth were overwhelming
But my faith in God saved me from the clutches of greed
With untainted hands I conquered all by my vigilant abiding creed!

With God in control, I received four plaques of appreciation
Including one from a most unlikely source
From the President of the Philippines in recognition
For making "Professionalism" in Shipping my mission. 

Some say that into each life a cross is given
To qualify for entrance to Heaven's pearly gates
Now it makes me wonder where I will be taken
When the closing bell rings and my mortal life fades.

So now at 82, I continue to enjoy life especially with my grandchildren
Who are acolytes, choir members and eucharistic ministers, too
My desire is for their Faith to be the consuming essence
Of their lives now and through the coming years always in God's Presence!

From my account, I have revealed my life of limitless blessings
Something considered a cross had not altered nor shaken
Such that inspite of our Lord's fairness to each one He created
I still claim, " I am one of God's favorites," my thanks to Him an eternal token!


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